Councillor Chris Furlong laces up running shoes for three charity marathons in three months

Councillor Chris Furlong running in the Bolton 10k last year

Councillor Chris Furlong is lacing up his running shoes for charity once again, this year taking on the ambitious task of running three marathons for three local charities – in just three months.

He will take on the first race, the Wrexham Half Marathon in March, followed by the Greater Manchester Marathon in April and then the Edinburgh Half Marathon in May.

By this point, the councillor will have completed 84,390 metres in three countries, to raise as much as possible for the Middleton and Heywood Foodbanks, plus Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s Homelessness Fund.

Councillor Furlong began training on Christmas Eve, following a ‘couch to marathon’ training plan, supplemented with regular swimming.

The Middleton councillor said: “The three brilliant local charities work hard for those that have fallen on hard times and help those that need support the most. I try to help out the foodbanks – who I know are under increasing pressure – when I can. I also volunteer at the Rochdale Soup Kitchen, so I am also raising money for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Homelessness Fund.”

“Please give if you can to these three worthy causes.”

Last year, Councillor Furlong completed the Bolton and Manchester 10k races before taking on the Southport Half Marathon (which he completed in one hour 57 minutes and 22 seconds), raising £1,875 for Heywood Guides Senior Section, Springhill Hospice and the Lighthouse Project.

• https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/112800/councillor-chris-furlong-presents-cheque-to-heywood-guides-senior-section

• https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/112597/councillor-chris-furlong-presents-springhill-hospice-with-cheque-for-£625

• https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/112181/councillor-chris-furlong-presents-lighthouse-project-with-cheque-for-£625

Over the last decade, Councillor Furlong has raised over £100,000 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/fundraising/christopher-furlong1