The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
The manager of Spalding’s Oxfam shop will be running the Seabank Marathon in honour of his parents, both of whom he lost to cancer.
Gary Peatling takes on the Boston to Skegness marathon on Sunday and will be raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and Oxfam.
Gary said: “Completing a marathon is a big task, but Oxfam’s global mission of fighting poverty and suffering represents an even bigger one, and any contribution, however difficult, that can be made to the work being done in Oxfam’s projects in around 70 countries towards this goal worldwide is worthwhile.
“I’ve lost both my parents to cancer, most recently my father last year, and Macmillan provided us with outstanding support during his last 15 months.
“About one in three of us will face the fight against cancer at some point and the work of Macmillan Cancer Support is vital.
“I undertook my first marathon three years ago, and although I am no athlete, and could hardly walk for two days afterwards, I completed it.
“It’s especially important for me to tackle it again after last year, and I’m certainly hoping to break the seven-hours barrier this time!”
Running a marathon is a great physical challenge, and Gary’s training for the event is gearing up.
He said: “I took the opportunity on a recent business trip to do some uphill running, so I’m hoping running along the sea bank won’t prove too difficult by comparison.
“I am hoping nutritious Fairtrade bananas will keep me going through the day.”
As well as the challenge of completing the marathon, Gary has the target of raising at least £75 in sponsorship to be split between the two charities.
He added: “Local people have shown us terrific support in the past and we’re hoping this latest project will also catch the imagination.”
Oxfam’s running events manager Erika Dallimore said: “We are really grateful to all the runners who choose to run for Oxfam.
“It’s a remarkable personal challenge, and it’s even better when you’re part of the Oxfam team.
“Running for Oxfam also means helping to make some truly amazing work possible and the money raised will help some of the world’s poorest people change their lives for the better.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor Gary can visit the Oxfam shop at 17 Station Street, Spalding, contact the store on 01775 760229, or email oxfamshopf1635@oxfam.org.uk.
