Councillor Chris Furlong completes Bolton 10k

Councillor Chris Furlong running in the Bolton 10k

Councillor Chris Furlong completed the Bolton 10k in 58.09 on Sunday, beating his personal best by just under nine minutes.

This was the first of three races he is running this year to raise money for The Lighthouse Project Middleton, Springhill Hospice and Heywood Guides Senior Section.

He said: “The race itself was very hard, with Bolton having ‘its own hill of hell’, as one local described it to me. We had to climb it twice as we had circuits to complete.

"Hopefully the experience of running my third 10k race will help me beat my time from last year at the Great Manchester Run in a few weeks’ time and put me in good stead for completing the Southport Half Marathon.

"I would like to thank all those who have sponsored me so far and have offered me messages of support and encouragement.”

The Councillor has been training ‘really hard’ around Rochdale and has been swimming up to 64 lengths at a time to try and increase his endurance in preparation for the Great Manchester Run and the Southport Half Marathon.

So far, he has raised over £500 for the charities, chosen for his connections with the three.

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

"The Lighthouse Project has 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 I thought they also a deserving cause for all the charity work they do.”

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