When Michael Pritchard put his name in the hat to win a place in the New York Marathon 2018 he had never run a marathon. Imagine his surprise when his name was one of the four which was chosen!   The global draw was organised by his employers New Balance, one of the world’s major sports footwear manufacturers, who have a factory in Flimby and sponsor the New York Marathon.

 

Michael Pritchard -NY Marathon 2018 with press cuttings

Michael completed the gruelling 26.2 miles in just over five hours to raise money for Hospice At Home West Cumbria. Not content with just completing the race, he also set himself the ambitious target of raising £100 for each of the miles he ran. We were thrilled when Michael came in just before Christmas to let us know that combining his Just Giving page and off line sponsorship forms, which allow us to collect gift aid, means he has hit his target!

Michael says, “I found myself fortunate to be in this position that working for New Balance they gave me the opportunity to do it. I don’t think I would have had the opportunity otherwise or would have even pushed myself to do it. And to be able to give something back to a charity such as Hospice At Home is just amazing. I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the people who have supported me with the training and the sponsorship. It was great that the local papers  Times and Star and News and Star featured the story, it certainly help raise awareness of my fundraiser and I know made a difference to the sponsorship”

Before his mother died she needed nurses to care for her in the latter part of her life and he chose us because of the support we offer local families making life a little easier at a very difficult time.

New Balance Employee Michael Pritchard          Pic Jim Davis.

Michael, who is an operations manager for New Balance explained how he had won the place. “We had to say what would inspire us to train for the New York marathon and my daughter Ella Pearl was my inspiration. New Balance pride themselves in being independent and not copying what their competitors are doing. I explained how Ella at two-and-a-half years old is so fiercely independent, she is strong willed and tackles everything head-on – she’s not afraid to fall down. My daughter is one of the most important people in my life and she’s my inspiration.” Having met Michael and followed his adventure we can certainly see where Ella gets her inspiration and determination from!

Thank you Michael and all your supporters for this wonderful donation.