A loving brother who is aiming to raise £12,000 in 12 months by running 12 marathons is urging businesses to keep on pledging their support.
Simon Atkin (38), head of PE at Fisher More Catholic Humanities College, in Gibfield Road, Colne, has now completed the first part of his tough physical challenge by running the Manchester Marathon last month. He completed the 26.2-mile trek in just three hours and eight minutes.
The keen sportsman is aiming to raise as much money as possible for the children’s Cystic Fibrosis ward at Leeds General Infirmary, where his younger brother Andrew Langthorne has been a patient for the past 17 years.
Now, having already gained support from Nelson’s Sanderson Dance and Fitness Studio, Simon is hopeful that more people will jump on the fund-raising bandwagon. The studio, which is based in Churchill Way, held a raffle with help from Sweetsugar Candycart of Burnley. The event raised £210.
Simon, a father-of-two from Accrington, said: “I am really wanting other businesses to get involved as well.
“We have raised £1,000 already, so if we can keep that up over the next 12 months, then we should hopefully reach the £12,000 target.
“The atmosphere of my first marathon was fantastic.
“The streets were lined with people cheering — it was superb.”
Three of Simon’s colleagues, Alkelda McCelland, David Gray and Katherine Wright have now completed the Pendle Triathlon, raising £140. And 15 members of staff aim to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks in June, in a bid to drive up more funds.
Simon will be taking on the Edinburgh Marathon at the end of the month, where his six-year-old daughter, Scarlett, and eight-year-old son, Joel, will both be doing the Edinburgh 1500m.
Visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/ourchallenges