It’s been nearly one month since Gary Mckee aka Marathon Man, completed his epic challenge and we are still reeling from the excitement.
For anyone who couldn’t make the the final day, the atmosphere was electric – Cleator Moor has never seen such a celebration! The year has flown by and it’s crazy to think that one man has clocked up over 9,000 miles running EVERY SINGLE DAY of 2022.
Privileged to share Gary’s journey, the team at Hospice at Home has loved getting to know Gary and his family over the last 12 months, and we will be forever grateful for his support. We’ve spent the last few weeks reflecting on what we have witnessed….
They say it takes a village to raise a child – so what does it take to run 365 marathons and raise over £1.1 million quid for charity? Well, in addition to a very special fundraising legend (take a bow Mr McKee) it seems that having a team of dedicated helpers and a supportive community also adds to the magic! We have been blown away by the outpouring of support from individuals, families, community groups, schools, businesses and organisations that have come together to hail our hospice hero.
The Hospice team would like to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible adventure.
To Elwyn Evans, Amy Caddy and Ollie Hodgson, who have made sure that the campaign has been at the front and centre of local, regional and national media – including daily photographs, live feeds, creating content for social media and co-ordinating media requests and press enquiries; Kathryn Gaston (aka Mrs Merch) for organising and selling merchandise, Bill and Janet Arnott of Bill’s Brews fame, providing hot drinks and snacks throughout the year; all the runners and cyclists who accompanied Gary on the route including Chris Young and so many more – you know who you are; Michael “Mountain Mike” Watson for completing his phenomenal walking challenge throughout the year, raising awareness and encouraging supporters to donate to Gary’s fundraising campaign; Paul & Ashleigh McGee from The Hungry Caterpillar for all the nutritious meals that kept Gary fuelled throughout the challenge; Lesley, Eric, Louise, Brenda and Sarah, Julie and Ryan for the snack boxes and inspirational messages that were left along the route daily; the team at Ennerdale Brewery; musician Ged Hagan; Crown Celebrations for the GIANT balloons; everyone who organised fundraising events throughout the year including Lesley Cole and Nina Albertelli; Gary’s friend and huge supporter Shree Laturia; everyone who sponsored vests, both businesses and individuals; all the businesses that held charity fundraising events contributing to the final total; celebrity guests who gave up their time to run alongside Gary – supporting but never stealing the spotlight- such as Kevin Sinfield; and the 40,000 people who have donated (at time of writing) on and offline. Thanks also to the team at Macmillan, who are co-beneficiaries of the final total. And finally, a thousand thankyous (and apologies) to anyone who we may have missed. There have been so many incredible people on this journey that we are bound to have overlooked some at time of writing – but please rest assured, that each and everyone of you are appreciated.
It has been an incredibly tough few years for people across the UK and people are struggling. The media is awash with bad news and tragedy. And yet, it has been both humbling and inspiring to see how our community has come together to support one of their own.
This is a community that we are incredibly proud to belong to and a community that we are proud to serve. As a charity, we need to raise over 1.2 million pounds every year to continue to deliver high quality end of life care and support to West Cumbrian families. Thanks to Gary and Team 365, we can continue to spread hope and provide care for those in their darkest hours.
To everyone who has played their part, we cannot thank you enough.
The team at Hospice at Home West Cumbria