Category: Challenge Series

Running machine Harry Newton is raring to go for his next big challenge later this month.

The 86-year-old grandad has entered the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 26.

Harry Newton who has raised more than £50,000 for charity from running.

Harry will skip the 10k event, preferring to tackle an alternative half marathon which might seem like a stroll after another stirring performance in last month’s London marathon.

The Macclesfield Harrier raised £1,700 for East Cheshire Hospice from his endeavours, bringing his total raised for various charities over the years to well over £50,000.

Harry said: “Running keeps me fit and I’ll keep going as long as my body allows me. The Hospice does wonderful work for the community and the prospect of raising money is a big motivator when the going gets tough near the end of a race.”

Harry was thought to be the fastest over 85 in the London marathon, his time of six hours 19 minutes earning him seventh place in the over 80 category.

The retired grocer is already eyeing up next year’s London race, though tempting wife Phyllis to run is a non-starter.

Harry said: “Phyllis is my No 1 fan and is always there cheering me on from the sidelines with family and friends. She’s not a runner, though, and prefers to be among the crowd.”

Harry has now completed 29 marathons, an incredible achievement considering his first was at the age of 57. His favourite has been the London marathon which he has completed 21 times.

Steve Nixon enjoys going for a relaxing run – whether driving his veteran car or wearing running shoes.

He will need to go the extra mile when he attempts to run the length of Hadrian’s Wall in aid of East Cheshire Hospice in June.

The gruelling 70-mile adventure will be the toughest challenge yet for Steve who warmed up last weekend by competing in the Madrid marathon.

Steve after completing the London Marathon in 2013.

Steve and wife Beverley often enjoy driving through Macclesfield in their dark green 1913 Model T F0rd. The collector’s item also appears at Macclesfield parkrun and veteran car rallies.

As does their 1903 Darracq which has been used by the Tytherington couple for the London to Brighton Run.

However, the two motoring masterpieces will stay in the garage when Steve undertakes his epic run from Carlisle Castle to Newcastle.

Instead, Beverley will drive their Ford Fiesta as support vehicle, aiming to call at five pit stops along the way.

A classic look … Steve and Beverley in costume with their Model T Ford. 

Steve said: “I’ll need some moral support, plus new socks no doubt! The route is a mixture of roads, paths and cross-country.

“It starts at 7 am with a 26-hour limit and I aim to complete the course in under 18 hours, hopefully with a westerly wind to push me along.”

Steve, a semi-retired business executive, has run marathons in 10 different locations, including Paris and Athens. The Lisbon race is on his schedule for October, while his first was in London in 2013.

He said: “I’ve had a few relatives and friends pass through the Hospice which is why my Hadrian’s Wall run is for them.

“They’re a local charity and gave me my first entry to the London marathon so I’ve always felt a certain allegiance to the Hospice.

The Nixons at Hyde Park Corner in their 1903 Darracq for the London to Brighton run.

“A lot of those supporting me also have some connection to the Hospice.

“The furthest I’ve run before is 35 miles over the hilly Gritstone Trail. The Wall, as it is known, is twice as far with a total climb of almost 4,000 feet.

“I wanted to do something big for my next challenge. Like any marathon, it’ll be more mental than physical. Keeping moving and staying focused will be hard work.

“Unlike the city marathons the 1,500 runners will be spread out so I may run many miles on my own before reaching the next pit stop.”

* To sponsor Steve visit https://shorturl.at/htwCR

Why not take the plunge and make a bungee jump for East Cheshire Hospice?

Thrill-seekers are invited to take a giant leap over Tatton Park in aid of the much-loved Hospice.

Organisers the UK Bungee Club claim the 300 ft drop is the highest regular jump in the country.

Fundraiser Luke Hughes who is organising a bungee challenge.

The Hospice has partnered with Run for Charity for the event held over a picturesque lake on the weekends of April 13/14, July 6/7 and October 12/13.

Entrants will have a few seconds to appreciate the vast deer park and stunning scenery before leaping off a platform suspended from a crane.

Luke Hughes, Community and Events Assistant at the Hospice, said: “Dare you get involved in this exciting challenge? It’s not for the faint-hearted but it may be on your bucket list.

Fundraiser Luke Hughes who is organising a bungee challenge.

“We know from experience that lots of our supporters take part in wild and wacky adventures to raise funds and hopefully this challenge will appeal to those with a head for heights.

“This is the first time we’ve teamed up with Run for Charity and there will be lots more challenges available in the future.

“The benefit is that we don’t need to worry about the logistics and cost of putting on these events, but it’s easy for supporters to sign up and support the Hospice.”

To enter visit www.runforcharity.com/east-cheshire-hospice-/tatton-bungee.

Entry is £120 (plus £4.80 booking fee) and entrants must agree to raise £200 for the Hospice.

The daring endeavours of the Bentham brothers show no sign of ending despite reaching their fundraising target.

George and Tom have raised £7,548 for East Cheshire Hospice where their late father Mark (58) was a patient four years ago.

More than two thirds came from a gruelling 195-mile coast-to-coast canoe challenge lasting nine days, taking the brothers from the Irish Sea to the North Sea.

They met their goal of raising the cost of a day’s care at the Hospice by completing a Born Survivor, while Tom also completed a triathlon even though he dislikes cycling.

Back on dry land … Tom Bentham (left) and brother George.

Tom said: “I’m petrified of cycling after a motorbike crash when I was young, and the roads are just too dangerous. I’ll stick to the water from now on.”

The swim element in north Wales was cancelled due to fog but Tom, joined by friends Martin Thomson and Tom Bickersteth, still insisted on doing the water discipline once the race ended, honouring a promise to donors to complete a triathlon.

The brothers have their sights set on running a marathon in 2025.

Tom and George tackling their canoeing challenge.

Tom said: “We’re delighted we’ve done what we set out to do in our dad’s memory. It’s fantastic to raise so much for such a vitally important cause in his name and fund those who need hospice services next.

“We still have our canoe and will probably take to water again at some point. We’ve wanted to do a marathon and what better place than Athens, the birthplace of the event!”