'Marathon man' to run 100 marathons in 100 days

A veteran fundraiser is set to run 100 marathons in 100 days in a bid to reach a £1m target for his local hospice.

Gary McKee, from Cleator Moor, Cumbria, will take on the 26.2-mile (42km) daily routes from January to April, ending with the London Marathon, to raise the final £100,000 for Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

In 2022, Mr McKee, who has earned the local title "marathon man", ran a marathon every day for a year.

"I'm committed to doing whatever I can to help them keep going," he said.

Mr McKee, who will joined by his son Beau at April's London Marathon, has been fundraising for the hospice over five years.

He said: "Reaching that £1m target for Hospice at Home West Cumbria has been in my sights for a long time, and with just £100,000 to go, the 100toLDN challenge is my way of giving it one last big push.

"It's also special that Beau will be running the London Marathon with me at the end - he's been there throughout the journey, so it'll be a proud moment to cross the line together."

The dad-of-three began running for the hospice in memory of his late father and has received recognition from famous athletes, such as Sir Mo Farah, in the past.

Hayley McKay, director of funding and communication at Hospice at Home West Cumbria, said: "When Gary contacted me to share his thoughts about a new challenge, I was initially lost for words. He already does so much for us.

"I was taken aback that he still wants to do more, still wants to keep going, and still wants to raise more funds."

In 2023, the hospice appointed Mr McKee as its vice president in honour of his efforts and fundraising over the years.

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