Graham Hood completes four fundraising challenges
Graham Hood, Production Engineer at Stannah Lifts Ltd has this year completed a series of fundraising challenges to raise important funds for Macmillan.
On Sunday 8th October, Graham completed the London Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity close to his heart.
Now in it’s 10th year, the notoriously scenic route takes in the capital’s world-famous landmarks on closed roads, and four of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens.
Graham Hood at Royal Parks
Graham who ran the 13.1-mile route with his girlfriend, completed the half marathon in an impressive 2 hours and 19 minutes and says:
“The route included lots of lovely scenery which kept me entertained and the crowds were amazing too; lots of cheering, clapping and people shouting my name as it was on the front of my shirt.”
Back in September Graham also completed a Tough Mudder challenge to raise money for Macmillan. Being his fourth time Graham says that knowing what to expect really helped him and luckily the weather conditions on the day were perfect, dry and sunny.
Graham chose to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support as they provided care to Graham’s uncle who suffered from cancer a few years ago and sadly passed away in 2011.
Thanks to the pledge by Stannah to fund-match any sponsorship money by 150%, to mark their 150th anniversary; the overall total raised by Graham for Macmillan was £712.50.
On the 22nd October Graham also took part in the Great South Run in Portsmouth, Southsea.
He ran the 10-mile route alongside his girlfriend but this time he chose to fundraise for The Rainbow Centre, who inspire and support children with Cerebral Palsy and adults with MS, Parkinson’s, Cerebral Palsy and those who have suffered a stroke or head injury.
Graham completed the Great South Run in 1 hour and 35 minutes, despite the windy running conditions on the day. Again, Graham says that the scenic route through the iconic landmarks of Portsmouth and the crowd support really helped. With the 150 % fund-matching from Stannah, Graham managed to raise £250 for The Rainbow Centre.
Those fundraising challenges are an impressive achievement in themselves, but Graham also took part in the Stannah 150km cycle ride earlier this year, joining the other cyclists at Basingstoke for the final 70km of the route and helping to raise the £13,000 total for Crohn’s and Colitis UK.
Graham says,
“It’s been a pleasure to take part in four brilliant events alongside fantastic team mates while raising money for the three charities. Many thanks to those who have sponsored me and a special thanks to Stannah for their amazing generosity with their 150% fund matching contribution. It’s great to think that the funds raised will be put to good use and have a positive impact on those who need it the most.”
To find out more about the charities Graham raised money for visit www.macmillan.org.uk/ , www.rainbowcentre.org/or www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/