A Wrexham fundraiser has completed the London Marathon virtually at a local National Trust site to raise money for life-saving cancer research.
Chris Hall, a 56-year-old legal advisor at the Magistrates courts in North Wales, ran 26.2 miles around the Erddig National Trust estate after COVID-19 restrictions postponed the 40th London Marathon earlier this year.
This was the first time ever that the London Marathon has taken place outside the capital, with runners from all across the country choosing various locations in which to complete their miles.
Chris, was one of 45,000 successful applicants for this year’s event which has been renamed ‘The 40th Event’ and was his 22nd time running the marathon.
Chris is raising funds for North West Cancer Research, who are an independent charity dedicated to putting the region’s cancer needs first by funding pioneering research to tackle the cause, improve the care and find the cure for cancer. The Charity are currently funding over £800,000 of research at The North West Cancer Research Institute at Bangor University.
Using an official app to track his mileage and recreate the sounds of a cheering crowd, Chris undertook the challenge on the 4th October with support from his local running group Erddig Muddy Trainers, who were on hand to provide refreshments and a morale boost.
Chris has supported North West Cancer Research for the last 16 years and has raised more than £16,000 for the charity with hopes to raise an additional £2,000 this year.
Chris said: “The coronavirus pandemic not only postponed the event, but thousands of pounds of vital donations that would have been raised through sponsorship. Despite the obvious challenges the pandemic has raised, I was determined to run the 40th race and get my 22nd medal.
“I trained five times a week as Erddig is a much more difficult terrain than the route we are used to in London. It was a bit strange experience without the atmosphere of the crowd and my fellow runners, but it was great to cross the finishing line and raise money for a great cause.”
Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said: “We completely rely on public support and donations to fund vital cancer research and the coronavirus pandemic has affected many key events in our fundraising calendar. We are grateful that our supporters are continuing to find unique ways to raise money and we would like to send our thanks to Chris for his amazing efforts.”
To sponsor Chris for his marathon please donate via his JustGiving link: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/christopher-hall36
