Councillor Chris Furlong raising money for Lighthouse Project, Springhill Hospice and Heywood Guides

Councillor Chris Furlong with his ‘Above and Beyond’ award from the Bibby Line Group

Councillor Chris Furlong is running the Bolton 10k, the Great Manchester Run and the Southport Half Marathon to raise money for The Lighthouse Project Middleton, Springhill Hospice and Heywood Guides Senior Section.

Speaking of his charity choices, he said: “I have gone for three charities right across the borough which I have a connection with.

"I have know Carl through Lighthouse Project and they have had a tough time finding new premises but I was delighted that they found one just before Christmas.

“My wife's grandparents, like many in our area, used the facilities at Springhill and we would like to give something as an appreciation for the dedication they showed them.

“My eldest daughter goes to Heywood Guides senior section who are always doing charity work themselves. Just before Christmas, instead of doing a Secret Santa for each other, they did a large collection of food and gave it to the homeless in the area, so thought they were also a deserved cause also for all the charity work they do.”

Councillor Furlong will be helped with his training by daughter Caitlin, who runs for Rochdale Harriers, and his wife, Kerrie.

The first race, the Bolton 10k, takes place on Sunday 23 April. The Great Manchester Run takes place on Sunday 28 May and finally, the Southport Half Marathon on Sunday 2nd July- by which point Councillor Furlong will have ran a total of 42,000 metres for the charities.

Last year, Councillor Furlong completed two 10k races for Middleton and Heywood foodbanks, completing the first 10 in 01:24:57. He knocked an impressive 17 minutes 55 seconds off the second, despite falling over, to finish in 01:07:02.

Over the last decade, Councillor Furlong has raised over £100,000 pounds for charities such as Help for Heroes, Sandon House, Parkinson UK, Cancer Research UK, PTA Groups, Macmillan Cancer Care, Christie Hospital and scout groups.

His fundraising efforts, which have ranged from fairs and coffee mornings to race nights and fashion shows have also helped raise funds for local football teams, community centres, schools and churches.

In 2012, Councillor Furlong won an ‘Above and Beyond’ award at the Bibby Line Group for raising £25,000 in one year.

To donate, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/Chris-Furlong3