As we enter a new year, local fundraising hero Gary Mckee has set out to raise £1m by running a marathon every day for the whole year!

Gary started his challenge on 1st January 2022 and will finish on the 31st of December 2022, his biggest challenge to date in an effort to raise a staggering amount for two charities close to his heart: Hospice at Home West Cumbria and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Gary is no stranger to tough challenges and over the years, his fundraising feats have included jumping from aeroplanes, climbing Kilimanjaro, and cycling through Brazil. In the early months of 2021, Gary completed 110 marathons in 110 consecutive days which raised an incredible £200k. But in true Gary Style, he has raised the bar again and set himself an astounding 365 challenge, which undoubtedly will be his toughest yet.

Stella Walsh, Fundraising and Communications Team Leader for hospice said, “We are so excited to begin this journey again with Gary. Everyone here at Hospice at Home West Cumbria wants to wish him lots of luck and thank him once again for his incredible support. The dedication and commitment he have shown to support both charities is astounding. The support he received from our local communities during the 110 challenge was amazing, and I’m sure this time it will be even bigger and better!

Gary started his first marathon from his home on New Year’s Day and will do so every day as well as working full time and being a busy family man with 3 children.

Gary is appealing for everyone to once again get behind him and help him reach his phenomenal fundraising target.

Brendon Cook, Chair of Hospice at Home West Cumbria, said: “As a small local charity, the support that Gary has given us and the people in our local community that have got behind him really does make a difference. The effort Gary makes to not only raising our income but also raising our profile, is immeasurable. Our Board of Trustees are delighted to have been able to personally sponsor his first running vest and we all look forward to showing our support throughout the year”.

To share Gary’s journey, follow him on the ‘365 Marathon Man’ Facebook page.  The page will give daily updates and information about how you can sponsor one of his running vests.

Please show your support to Gary and visit his JustGiving page to sponsor the challenge-  www.justgiving.com/fundraising/threesixfive