Cumbria’s Marathon Man Gary McKee has been presented with a major honour for his fundraising efforts.
Gary, of Cleator Moor, ran a marathon every day last year for Hospice at Home West Cumbria and Macmillan Cancer Support – just the latest in over 20 years of fundraising which has seen him raise almost £2 million.
He has been named as one of 26 people in Britain to be given the British Citizen Award, which recognises exceptional people who positively impact their communities throughout the country.
Dubbed ‘The People’s Honours’ – due to the fact that anyone with an OBE, CBE of KBE is ineligible to receive one – the programme recognises true community heroes for their divergent endeavours and positive impact on society.
Gary will be recognised at the Palace of Westminster on June 29 and honoured with The British Citizen Award for Services to the Community and will receive the BCA Medal of Honour.
Gary’s involvement with Macmillan began in 2003 when his father Victor died. Victor was a cancer survivor, but Gary wanted to help people going through their cancer journey.
People often focus on Gary’s incredible fundraising exploits, but the massive impact he has on the community is often overlooked. During COVID-19 he decided to run 110 consecutive marathons.
Adhering to restrictions – he encouraged people to either run with him or on their own, which led to the creation of a group called Inspired to Move which has over 1,200 members aged 12 to 85.
Gary is passionate about getting young people outside, away from social media/television and being more physically active. He has recruited over 100 people to run with him in the Great Cumbrian Run from all areas across the North West.
