TfGM Fundraising

An update from Peter Walley
At the end of April, I am running the Manchester Marathon raising money for Greater Manchester Blood Bikes, and Alzheimer’s Society. After completing a few half marathons, and deciding those experiences weren’t punishment enough, I have naively/bravely/foolishly taken the plunge on what is likely to be my one and only marathon.
 
Raising money for some worthy causes is providing the required motivation to keep me going on those long training runs and any donations to these incredible causes will make a positive difference.
 
Greater Manchester Blood Bikes is the only blood bikes charity operating in Greater Manchester that transports Blood, Plasma, Samples, Vaccines, Donor Breast Milk (DBM) & any other urgently required medical items to hospitals and healthcare sites 24/7, 365 days a year. In 2024 alone they responded to 4,214 call outs. They receive no formal funding and only operate on donations and the work of their volunteers.
 
Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families, and carers. They believe that life doesn't end when dementia begins. And this gives comfort to many people, like me, who have had firsthand experience of someone close to them living with dementia.
 
If you’d like to sponsor me, please put Peter in the comments, so that our fundraising team can keep track of donations. Thanks in advance for your support, it really is much appreciated!

An update from Adam Meadows:
I’ve previously raised money for charities such as Cancer Research UK & Manchester Children’s Hospital in local and international races and although they often aren’t close to my heart in a personal story, I find it massively rewarding to race for a better purpose than a picture with a medal (also good).
 
So, when the opportunity arose to raise money for GM Blood Bikes and Alzheimer's Society at my hometown marathon, it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss & one that will motivate me to train in the cold months!
 
I first got into running like many during the covid lockdown looking for fresh air and to lose some Deliveroo weight. After a few runs, I soon signed up to a half marathon in Manchester in 2021 to raise money for Manchester Children’s Hospital but mainly to make me accountable so I would complete the training and race. I managed to raise £1,300. After completing the race & having some rest I haven’t stopped enjoying running, most recently running the Stockholm Marathon last June & Great North Run in Newcastle in September.
 
I hope you can sponsor me to assist these great causes and the fantastic work they do.
 
Please put ADAM somewhere in the comments, so that our fundraising team can keep track of my donations. Thank you in advance for your support!

Ben Brisbourne, TfGM Transport Strategy
 
TfGM’s current corporate charities, GM Blood Bikes, and Alzheimer’s Society, are close to home for me. My mum was diagnosed with dementia following a decline during Covid. The change is sadly familiar, seemingly running in her side of the family. Meanwhile, I’ve been a regular blood donor for at least 5 years now, and every time, somebody has made use of it.

The 2024 Manchester Half Marathon is my warm-up to the 2025 Manchester Marathon. I’ve not ran anything more competitive than a parkrun before. I decided to do something challenging to keep my mind focussed, doing something positive with what time and ability I can free up.

Donations to these charities make a positive difference.  It will also keep my inspiration going, when my mind and body are feeling the strain. Better yet, if you can, give donating blood, or some of your time, a go. 

Keep an eye out for me ploughing down the Bridgewater canal during the evenings – if nothing else, I’ll have freed up a space on the transport network as I take the long way home from work!

If you’d like to sponsor me, please put BEN somewhere in the comments, so that our fundraising team can keep track of my donations. Thank you in advance for your support!