Marathon Man Gary McKee has been named as one 500 Coronation Champions by King Charles III.
Gary, of Cleator Moor, ran 365 marathons in 365 days last year for Macmillan Cancer Support and Hospice at Home West Cumbria.
He has been a prolific fundraiser over the last 20 years and has cycled through Brazil, climbed Kilimanjaro, run from Land’s End to John O’Groats and Coast-to-Coast – 116 miles in under 24 hours. He has jumped out of aeroplanes and walked over hot coals, as well running 100 marathons in 100 days, then 110 marathons in 110 days until last year’s mammoth challenge which saw him complete 9,563 miles.
Gary has also won a JustGiving.com fundraiser of the year award, as well as a Pride of Britain regional award for his charity endeavours.
With the support of The Queen Consort Camilla, a passionate advocate of volunteering and President of Royal Voluntary Service, the Coronation Champions Awards were launched to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country at this momentous point in history.
Across the UK, 500 champions – from 5,000 nominations – dazzled the judging panel with the impact of their work, their inspirational stories and unwavering commitment to volunteering.
Coronation Champions have been invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations, such as the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert or a coronation Garden party. They will also receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by the King and Queen Consort.
Gary said: “It’s an honour to be named a Coronation Champion. I am lucky enough to have been able to take on these challenges, which have been tough, but not as tough as going through cancer treatment.
“Macmillan Cancer Support work incredibly hard to support people going through cancer. I just want to raise as much money as I can, and also hopefully inspire others to do the same, so they can continue to make such a massive difference to so many peoples’ lives, so it’s heart-warming to have my fundraising efforts recognised.”
