A man from Worsley is challenging himself to run eight marathons this year to raise money for charity.
Approaching his 36th birthday, Connor Robinson came up with the idea to run 365km in 365 days to raise money for charity. This includes eight marathons across Europe, plus a half-marathon to complete the set.
The initial inspiration for this challenge came from Connor’s best friend Jack Prady. After Jack’s mum Tracy died of bowel cancer in April 2020, Jack set up the TP23 Foundation in memory of her and ran an incredible 252 miles, raising more than £30,000 for The Christie Charity.
Connor felt that he wanted to ‘do his bit’ and help contribute to the fundraising that Jack had done by doing the same.
Having never been a runner, property director Connor knew that completing even one marathon would be a challenge for him. But seeing what his friend Jack had achieved, this spurred Connor on.
Connor said: “There’s probably no other family I have been closer to over the last 15 years than the Pradys and I have seen first-hand the immediate and long-lasting impact cancer has on loved ones, but also how much needed and invaluable the treatment and care received by The Christie was.”
Just 10 weeks into his 18-week training programme on January 10 this year, Connor’s own dad, Wayne Robinson, was diagnosed with throat cancer. A non-smoker and drinker, Wayne’s cancer was caused by the HPV virus. He has started treatment at The Christie Hospital, having daily radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Connor added: “Whilst I am running this challenge in Jack’s mum Tracy’s memory, it is also for every single person who’s ever needed the remarkable services provided by The Christie – especially my dad.
“When starting this challenge, I wanted to take it across Europe and spread the name and awareness of The Christie not just throughout the Northwest but the whole of the UK and beyond.”
Connor’s friends and family will be following his journey and supporting him along the way and Jack has even vowed to run every marathon with him.
Their first marathon will be on Sunday 10th March in Barcelona and Connor will be documenting their journey on Instagram – @letsrunwithconnor
Connor’s eight marathons will take place in Barcelona, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, Chester, Dublin, Athens, Valencia with the final half marathon TBC.
View this post on Instagram
Connor has raised £3,253 to date, which is 90 per cent of the initial target of £3600.
To contribute to Connor’s fundraising, click here.
Alicia Gaffey, Sporting Events Coordinator at The Christie Charity, said: “We’re so grateful to Connor taking on this amazing fundraising challenge.
“It’s wonderful that his friend Jack will be supporting him every step of the way and we wish them both the very best of luck and thank them for their amazing fundraising efforts.”
Recent Comments