Chris Furlong gearing up for final charity marathon

Councillor Furlong shows off his hard-earned medal following the Manchester Marathon

Chris Furlong is gearing up for his third and final charity marathon in as many months, with the approach of the Edinburgh half marathon on 27 May.

Chris said: “Though I have set no targets for the amount raised, I would love to get as much as possible, as it is dearly needed by them. If anyone could donate to these three much needed charities it would be appreciated.

“On behalf of the charities, I would like to thank all those that have already given. “The money is really needed by the charities: Heywood Foodbank, one of the charities I am raising money for, literally ran out of food the other day, such is the increasing demands on the foodbanks and soup kitchens across the borough.”

Chris has been training hard over the last few weeks around both Middleton and Rochdale and is hoping to beat his previous time.

He added; “It will be a very early start on the Sunday as I will be starting the race at 8am, so hopefully will be finished before dinner time. I am looking to also visit a number of foodbanks up in Edinburgh to see how they are faring with their demands.

“It’s quite obvious that demand outstripping supply is not just occurring in our area.”

The run marks the final of three marathons in three countries, to raise as much as possible for the Middleton and Heywood Foodbanks, plus Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s Homelessness Fund. To date, donations have just topped £1,000.

The former North Middleton councillor completed the Wrexham half marathon in March, followed by the Manchester Marathon in April. He will finish his challenge in the Scottish Highlands with the Edinburgh half marathon in May.

Last year, Chris 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, Chris 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, Chris 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