A video has been released showing the sheer determination of a Cumbrian marathon runner.
Gary McKee has less than 100 marathons to go in his enormous charity feat of running a marathon every single day this year, and a video that has been produced titled 365 is set to inspire and show an insight into Gary’s challenge.
The video, which was shot last month, shows the daily activities of Cumbria’s Marathon Man, including his pre-marathon massage gun routine, pit stops and going to work.
“This special video highlights what a typical day looks like for me, or more so what my r-occurring daily activities look like as well as showing the true West Cumbrian community spirit I’m surrounded by. I hope the video provides an insight into my challenge, not just how I’m doing it but why I’m doing it,” says Gary.
“There’s around 1,000 people diagnosed with cancer every day, upwards of 350,000 a year. That’s a lot of people, and a lot of reasons to keep on going.”
The video was supported by Gary’s employer Sellafield Ltd and backed by the two charities Gary is running for; Macmillan Cancer Support and Hospice at Home West Cumbria as well as Platinum Live, a communications agency who work with Gary pro-bono.
Lymphoedema Team Leader at Hospice at Home West Cumbria, Alana Phizacklea, said: “The commitment this awe-inspiring man has made to supporting our well-loved charity is totally mind blowing!
“There aren’t enough words to describe the immense gratitude myself and my colleagues have for all his phenomenal efforts and support. Not forgetting he is always accompanied by other amazing people from our local community, helping to keep him ‘hossing on’. Amazing…truly and indisputably amazing!”
???? My Name is Gary McKee and I’m Running 365 Marathons in 365 Days…….. pic.twitter.com/emDC3NuNV9
— Gary McKee (@Marathon_Man365) September 26, 2022
Macmillan Cancer Support Fundraising Manager Sue McDonald said: “Gary’s daily selfless act of running a marathon doesn’t just raise vital funds to help Macmillan support people living with cancer, it also shows those people how much he cares and what he’ll put himself through for them.
“He truly is a living legend. Macmillan is beyond grateful to Gary for his unfailing determination and stamina and for inspiring countless other fundraisers, and for showing people living with cancer that he wants to do everything he possibly can to support them.”
With less than 100 marathons to go, 53-year-old Gary added: “It’s a nice feeling getting down to below 100 days. I ran 100 consecutive marathons in 100 days in 2017, so I’ve pretty much been here before.
“We’ve had a very busy year so far, particularly over the summer months with lots of events and supporters. Starting this challenge on January 1st only feels five minutes ago, it’s surprising how quickly the year goes by!
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me on my journey so far this year, from the support runners, my family, behind the scenes sidekicks and charity teams as well as everyone who has donated to the cause. We’re down to double digits now, I’ll keep hossin on and get the job done!”
The video can be viewed on Marathon Man’s socials, and you can support Gary’s challenge by visiting https://justgiving.com/fundraising/threesixfive
