Marathon man Gary McKee has shaken off concerns that his latest challenge of completing 365 marathons in 365 days is one step too far.
The 52-year-old raised £200,000 by completing 110 marathons in 110 days only a few months ago, with the dad of three now aiming even higher this time around.
From January 1 to December 31, Gary will complete his biggest challenge to date in an effort to raise £1 million for two charities close to his heart: Hospice at Home West Cumbria and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Cleator Moor man Gary is no stranger to tough challenges and over the years, his fundraising feats have included jumping from aeroplanes, climbing Kilimanjaro, and cycling through Brazil.
Despite being his toughest challenge to date, Gary is confident he’s got what it take to succeed.
“Some people think you are crazy and I understand why people think that because they think of themselves and think ‘I could never do that’, but they don’t know me,” he said.
“People ask me ‘how are you going to do 365 marathons in 365 days?’ but I’ve done 110 and I know what it is about and I know how to do it.
“I know how to prepare myself, I know how to sort myself out the next day and I know how to do things in a certain way. I am in charge too so if I want to go slow at certain points I will go slow.
“It’s just four hours running and then you prepare yourself for the next day.”
Stella Walsh, fundraising and communications team leader for the hospice, said: “We are so excited to begin this journey again with Gary. Everyone here at Hospice at Home West Cumbria wants to wish him lots of luck and thank him once again for his incredible support.
The dedication and commitment he has shown to support both charities is astounding. The support he received from our local communities during the 110 challenge was amazing, and I’m sure this time it will be even bigger and better!”
Balancing work, running and family
Gary will start his first marathon from his home on New Year’s Day and will do so every day as well as working full-time, and being a busy family man with his three children.
Sue McDonald, Macmillan Cancer Support’s fundraising manager for Cumbria, said: “We’d like to thank Gary for his amazing commitment to raise funds for two causes close to his heart. His efforts last year were extraordinary enough, but this 365 Challenge is almost incomprehensible in the scale of its ambition.
“We know Gary is inspired by the three million people who are living with cancer in the UK. He says that if they can undergo the rigours of treatment and the many challenges that cancer brings, then he can put himself through this.
“Nearly all (98%) of Macmillan’s funding comes directly from donations, and it’s only through our fantastic fundraisers like Gary who help ensure Macmillan can continue to deliver the services that people living with cancer desperately need, now and in the future.”
Macmillan Cancer Support’s chief executive, Lynda Thomas, added: “Gary McKee has been a prolific fundraiser for Macmillan for almost 20 years; for which we can’t thank him enough.
“Gary is genuinely inspiring – and at some point in 2022 I hope to make it up to Cleator Moor and run part of this with him to show our support for him.”
Brendon Cook, chair of Hospice at Home West Cumbria, said: “As a small local charity, the support that Gary has given us and the people in our local community that have got behind him really does make a difference. The effort Gary makes to not only raising our income but also raising our profile, is immeasurable. Our Board of Trustees are delighted to have been able to personally sponsor his first running vest and we all look forward to showing our support throughout the year.
Gary is appealing for everyone to once again get behind him and help him reach his target.
To share Gary’s journey, follow him on the 365 Marathon Man Facebook page. The page will give daily updates and information about how you can sponsor one of his running vests.
To sponsor Gary, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/threesixfive
Gary McKee starts mammoth Three Six Five Challenge – cumbriacrack.com
Gary McKee raises over £30,000 before he even starts Three Six Five Challenge
Why does Gary McKee support Macmillan and Hospice at Home? – cumbriacrack.com
Gary McKee on what each day will involve when he takes on 365 marathons – cumbriacrack.com
