Running a marathon is one of the most challenging physical, and endurance tasks that a person can take on. It requires dedication, and determination to complete and the mental and physical strength needed to complete a marathon are immense. Having a great reason is what motivates people to run a marathon, it helps provide focus and direction on their journey. For engineer Mark, the motivation comes from his sister and nephew; and in April, Mark took on the Manchester Marathon to raise funds for Charity Max Appeal, and here’s their story.

Raising Awareness for DiGeorge Syndrome

Mark ran the Manchester Marathon for Max Appeal, to raise awareness of a condition known as DiGeorge Syndrome (22q11DS). This condition is present from birth and can cause a range of lifelong problems, including heart defects and learning difficulties. Some children can be severely ill but many others may grow up without even realising they have it.

Mark’s Sister and Nephew

Mark’s nephew; who was born 11 weeks premature, needed a triple stent within the first 4 months of his life, and is now on the waiting list for a further heart operation this year. Mark’s sister has only been diagnosed with 22q11DS within the past two years, since this, Max Appeal has been a constant support through funding and family support.

Mark said “Both my sister and nephew have given me the motivation to attempt something out of my comfort zone and hopefully raise some much needed money for a great charity that has directly impacted my families lives.”

“I am taking part in the Manchester Marathon for Max Appeal because I would like to raise awareness of 22q11DS, My sister and nephew have both been diagnosed with this condition so I have seen first hand the impact it has on their lives. Max Appeal is a charity close to my heart as it provides support for people with 22q11DS, raises knowledge and awareness of the condition and is focussed on sharing, hope and standing with families.”

A Challenge for a Worthy Cause

Those who have completed marathons have pushed themselves to their limits in order to finish the race, anything is possible when you put your mind to it. For Mark, who has never undertaken anything like this before, it's a challenge for a worthy cause. This is why JCW has made a contribution towards Mark’s just giving page. If you would also like to add to this for Max Appeal, please follow the link here.

The Hard Work Behind the Run

With a great mental motivation, Mark needed to make physical marathon preparation. Training was not fully focused on running alone, Mark attends his local cross-fit gym, which he normally attends 5 days a week, along with coaching 4 sessions per week, Mark does 5 mile midweek runs, as well as a 5-6.5 mile runs after a 7am Saturday class, and then a longer run on Sundays, starting at 10 miles up to two consecutive weeks of running 22miles.

How it went on the day…

Although some bad injuries 3 weeks prior, meant Mark had gone into the Marathon not at his best, he still managed the half marathon in an impressive 1hr 45mins. Unfortunately, the last 9 miles became mentally, and physically arduous. However, with the thought of his Sister, Nephew, Max Appeal, as well as the generous donors, Mark pushed on for them.

The last 4 grueling miles took an hour and Mark got over the finish line with the respectable time of 4hr 40mins. As upsetting this may have been to Mark, it is an amazing achievement in our eyes.

No doubt this story will inspire many others to take on challenges themselves to raise money for worthy causes. Well done!

Once again, please feel free to visit Mark’s Just Giving page here. Every little helps…