An elite runner from West Cumbria has today run his 300th marathon this year.
Gary McKee, of Cleator Moor, set off on his challenge of running a marathon every day this year on January 1. He has since run through rain, wind and snow and gone through 25 pairs of trainers, burnt 1.3 million calories, and raised over £200,000 for Hospice at Home West Cumbria and Macmillan Cancer Support.
When Gary’s challenge is completed, he will have run more than 9,500 miles.
He said: “I’m doing this is because I’m lucky enough to be able to take on a physical challenge of this scale, and every day I think about all the people going through cancer treatment who face their own physical and emotional challenges.
“I’ve always seen the challenge as a day at a time, a 365-piece jigsaw, each day regardless of the weather I lace up my shoes and put one foot in front of the other for 26.2 miles.
“It hasn’t been easy with working full time throughout the challenge, but I never expected it to be easy.
“If I can support people going through cancer and other life-limiting illnesses while inspiring people to get out there and fundraise themselves, then every marathon I do every day is worth the effort.
“The community support has been exceptional and with 300 days now in the bag the finish line is in sight. It’s been a fantastic experience so far and one which I’ll never forget. If you’d like to join me to run or walk a mile or a marathon, just drop me a line.”
In celebration of his 300th marathon, Gary’s has been surprised with a fantastic endorsement and video from Sir Mo Farah a British long-distance runner who is the most successful male track distance runner ever, and the most successful British track athlete in modern Olympic Games history.
Gary, 53, has supported Macmillan for over 19 years and last year completed a gruelling 110 consecutive marathons for his two chosen charities, raising an incredible £200,000.
Sue McDonald, Macmillan fundraising manager for Cumbria, said: “It is absolutely incredible that Gary has reached day 300 of his 365 challenge. Everyone at Macmillan is in awe of him and we are honoured and proud to be supported by Gary, as he puts himself through the toughest physical test of his life.
“Gary is truly extraordinary to run a marathon every day for a year. His unwavering dedication, determination and commitment to raise vital funds, for two charities so close to his heart, is truly inspirational to so many people across Cumbria and beyond.
And his self-less challenge has motivated some members of the West Cumbria Macmillan Community Cancer Nursing Service team to join him for part of his 300th marathon.
“His epic fundraising challenge, and the unbelievable generosity of everyone that has donated, will help Macmillan continue to do whatever it takes be there for people living with
cancer now and in the future, and we are so grateful for his continued support. Thank you, Gary, and good luck – 300 marathons run and just 65 to go!”
Stella Walsh, marketing and income generation team leader at Hospice at Home West Cumbria said: “We are honoured that Gary is supporting Hospice at Home West Cumbria by undertaking this incredible challenge. When he started this exceptional feat on January 1it felt like the 300th day was a thousand miles away – and it quite literally was, as Gary has now run almost 8,000 miles!
“The support from people in our local community for Gary’s endeavour has been beyond amazing and every penny that has been raised for our charity stays locally, enabling us to provide vital services across West Cumbria.
“Since the beginning of the challenge our specialist home nursing team have cared for 181 patients, allowing them to be in a place they chose at the end of their life, whilst our Family and Bereavement Support team have supported 162 patients and their families, delivering emotional wellbeing and bereavement support when they need it most.
“We really are completely in awe of Gary’s phenomenal achievement and so grateful for his support.”
You can support Gary’s challenge by visiting https://justgiving.com/fundraising/threesixfive
