2018 is the year that CHUF secured its first ever London Marathon charity place. As a small charity, this was a big step for us and 26 miles of fast steps on a hot day for our runner Alastair Graham. Alastair was one of several supporters who applied to CHUF for the opportunity to be our first official London Marathon runner.

With a target of raising £2,000 for CHUF, Alastair embarked on a challenge of not only training for the run, but also securing the help and support of family, friends and colleagues. For Alastair, the challenge has therefore been far broader than taking part in the marathon as he successfully lobbied the support of local companies who sponsored his running gear. He has promoted his online giving page, shared news of his training on social media and the local press also featured his story.

Come marathon day, Alastair had met his £2,000 target. Along with his wife Lauren and daughter Marin (who is a Heart Hero), the CHUF team is incredibly proud of Alastair’s achievement, especially given how hot London was on 22nd April!

We were very fortunate to have 2 other supporters choose to run the London Marathon in aid of CHUF….

 
Lyndsey Hesketh contacted CHUF early in the new year with the news that she wanted to run for CHUF. Our cause is one that means a lot to Lyndsey as both of her younger sisters had heart surgery as babies. As it was her first marathon, Lyndsey was a little nervous but she took on board some of the fundraising tips we shared and she did a superb job of hitting her target.

‘Hot and stuffy day in the city’ doesn’t describe the ideal running conditions but Lyndsey didn’t let that deter her from taking on this challenge. After proudly crossing the finish line in her CHUF top, one of her friends snapped a photo of Lyndsey with her very well-deserved medal!

Stuart McGuire paid a visit to the CHUF office earlier in the year to collect a few items he could use on race day. Laden down with T-shirt, running vest and wristbands, Stuart went about training for the challenge of the marathon! Stuart set himself a fundraising target of £500 but as of early May, he’s sitting at over £1,000!

Once he was back in the North East after the run, Stuart got in touch to tell us that the marathon was certainly a challenge he’ll never forget! After a calf injury ½ a mile in, Stuart had the added challenge of running on a bad leg! With a mixture of walking and running, Stuart got the chance to experience the sights of London and the madness of marathon day at a slightly more leisurely pace. He is setting himself a target of completing the Marathon at a faster pace next year! We’re so impressed with Stuart’s determination and his willingness to carry on and support CHUF despite his injury.

Thank you to our amazing runners!

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