Gary McKee: Marathon Man

Gary is a born and bred Cumbrian, family man and well-respected member of his community who has a burning desire to help others. On Friday, he completed arguably his most challenging conquest to date – running 110 marathons in 110 days.

His selfless nature means he’s no stranger to putting himself through harrowing challenges – over the last 20 years he’s cycled coast to coast, climbed Kilimanjaro, cycled through Brazil and ran 100 marathons in 100 days to name just a few - all in the name of charity.

His innate desire to help others can be traced back to the day Gary received the life-changing news that his Dad Victor was diagnosed with cancer. It was 23^rd June 1997 – a day Gary remembers vividly.

He said: “When I came home from work everybody was sat outside and I knew something was wrong. When I went in the house my dad was sitting there in his chair and he had tears in his eyes.

“He told me he had cancer. It was the most devastating word I’ve ever heard. It turned my life upside down and our families.

“My dad was a cancer survivor. He had an operation to get his lung removed and he had another six years. He passed away in 2003 and I remember when he passed away, I wanted to do something in his memory.

“I reminded myself of that day, 23^rd June 1997, when we were told that devastating news and that other people would be going through that exact same scenario and I wanted to give them the support they needed - so I became a fundraiser for Macmillan.??

And what a journey it has been. Gary has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity, helping so many families manage the most challenging periods of their life.

Gary has continuously pushed his body to the limit and although his efforts are mightily impressive, they pale in comparison to the money it has raised and the difference those funds make to so many peoples lives.

He explained: “Running those marathons isn’t an achievement. The achievement is the amount of money we’ve raised. It’s the money that makes the difference.??

?????♂???????♂???????♂?? DAY 110 = COMPLETE?????♂???????♂???????♂??

Im running 110 MARATHONS in 110 DAYS all for @macmillancancer & @HospiceatHomeWC
Today I was with @kevs55marathons @marathon__mike@MarinaPenn1@Diddler29 & Darren

🎯That's all Folks

Thanks again

Link to Sponsor https://t.co/UH83idiCWd pic.twitter.com/jqPuWQLmB5
— Gary McKee (@Marathon_Man110) May 21, 2021

At the conclusion of his 110^th and final marathon, Gary had raised over £120,000 – 1200 percent more than his original target of £10,000. That money will be shared between Macmillan Cancer Support Cumbria and West Cumbria Hospice at Home - two charities close to Gary’s heart.

His incredible feat has done much more than raise life-changing amounts of money. At the heart of his fundraising is an unbreakable community bond that has seen unparalleled support throughout the 110 days - as well as inspiring so many others to get on their feet.

A facebook page was set up – named ‘inspire to move’ – with hundreds of members connecting, sharing their own stories as they embark on walks and runs, inspired by Gary’s efforts. Evidently, he has given so many people the motivation to kickstart their own fitness journey - helping to improve their physical and mental health - after a significantly difficult period for so many people.

However, in Gary’s words: “Difficult doesn’t mean impossible.??

The support for Gary over the past 110 days is ever growing, and the Rugby League community has played its part.

Amateur clubs across Cumbria - including Gary’s former amateur side Wath Brow Hornets - have each made their own considerable contributions through sponsored vests. 

The money raised from those sales and sponsorship has been shared between the two charities Gary is raising funds for, as well as Motor Neurone Disease, to support Rhinos legend Rob Burrow.

Fellow Cumbrians and Super League stars Kyle Amor & James Donaldson have also shown their support for one of their own. St Helens Amor gave Gary a signed shirt from Saints which has been raffled out, and Leeds forward James Donaldson ran with Gary last week whilst also giving him a signed Rhinos shirt which is currently being raffled.

That follows countless messages of support from across the rugby league community, as well as former Super League player Wayne Godwin running his first ever marathon to offer encouragement and support alongside Gary.

Speaking about the Rugby League community, Gary said: “When one hurts, we all hurt. When something happens, we all feel as though it’s happening to one of our own family. So, when something good happens, you want to celebrate it, jump on board and help out.

“People support you and are proud – you’re seen as one of their own. We’re all together and all a family.??

Now, given the enormity of the challenge he has conquered, Gary will rightly take some time out to recover and reflect on what he’s achieved. He is always blown away by the support and the money that is raised – money which goes such a long way to helping so many people.

This is not the end, however. As Gary poignantly puts it, it is the end of the chapter, but not the book. The book has a lot of pages left to be written - and he’s the author. So, expect to hear a lot more from the Marathon Man.

You can still donate to Gary’s Virgin Money just giving page by following the link here.