TfGM Fundraising

I'm Mark. I began running as a junior where, until recently, my last run was the Liverpool 10k on my 16th birthday. After a 25 year break, and inspiration from my wife, Leanne, who has endured an incredible fitness journey from scratch, I began running again with a 5k along the Moroccan coast whilst on holiday - again, on my birthday! What better way to start!
 
Since October 2023, I have been running various 10ks, and October 2024 (the day AFTER my birthday - there's a theme happening!), I ran the Manchester HALF Marathon - my first one. To run it in under 2 hours was probably one of the best feelings I've had, overwhelmed with emotion and joy. In recent years I've struggled mentally, and lately had some physical health scares, which are making me realise how important fitness is needed as we get older. Running helps clear the mind and is a chance to escape momentarily the stresses with which life surrounds us.
 
A chance to raise money for the TfGM charities - especially the Christie Charity - is a personal one. I've had some friends and family in recent years need the help of Christies. Many have thankfully recovered with their help. After a return to work from a short absence, the chance to run the Manchester Marathon for the charities has given me some focus and encouragement, and I hope to raise some well needed funds for those that need it. Please put MARK somewhere in your comment, so I can keep track of my fundraising achievements!

Hi, I’m Joanne, and this April I’m taking on the Manchester Marathon as part of Team TfGM!
 
Running has been a big part of my life for many years, and I’m currently in my “let’s see what I’m really capable of” era. Last October I ran my first Marathon and somehow managed to enjoy it! More recently, I ran the Wilmslow Half and pushed myself to a new PB. This was a lovely boost, but it was also very scary to finish knowing that on 19 April, I’ll have to do double that distance!
 
I’ll be running in support of TfGM’s chosen charities, the Christie Charity and Hollinwood Scout Camp — two brilliant causes making a real difference across our communities.
 
When training gets tough, I’ll be channelling my inner Alsatian spirit animal. He came to me in a dream the night before my first Marathon and I allowed myself to imagine him running ahead to help me get through those super tough last 8 miles in York!
 
If you’re able to sponsor me, I’d be hugely grateful — every contribution will keep me going when it gets hard (which it definitely will!). Please add JOANNE somewhere in your comments so the fundraising team can track my efforts.
 
Thank you so much for your support 💛

I ran my first marathon last year raising money for Sue Ryder in honour of my mentor Kam. I started working with Kam back in the NHS in the Covid Vaccination service, but she was sadly taken from us far too young. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Kam, she took a chance on me, and I’ll forever be grateful for her love and light! I had a good level of fitness before that marathon, but I never ran, I just really wanted to dedicate my time and effort to something with her in my heart, but it ended up lighting a spark within me! I’ve been running ever since, and I consider it Kam’s final gift!
 
I’m absolutely honoured to be doing another one this year with TfGM raising money for The Christie Charity and Hollinwood Scout Camp, which are two amazing causes! I didn’t have another marathon on the cards for this year but when the opportunity to raise more money for charity with TfGM came along, I had to jump at the chance. I’m still a little nervous knowing what I’m getting myself into, and I’m dreading all the early mornings, but this one is for me, and I’m backing myself to still be able to do hard things, just like Kam always did.

Please pop my name in the comments somewhere so our fundraising team can keep track of how much my efforts have raised!