Lockdown marathon proves a huge success

PICTURE: Lizzie (right) and friend Hannah celebrate the success of the relay marathon, with Lizzie's Dad Gordon watching on via Zoom

A lockdown marathon to raise cash for us was a massive success with the team taking part running 55 miles instead of the 26-mile target and raising more than £2,500.

Organiser Lizzie Shankland-Fee originally set a £100 fundraising target but as word spread about the challenge she and nine friends had taken on, the cash came pouring in.

The socially distanced relay marathon was staged in honour of Lizzie’s dad Gordon, former deputy head of Huntington School, who has mesothelioma.

When they heard what was happening, former pupils from around the world sent money and touching messages thanking Gordon for the difference he had made to their lives. Even one student who was suspended got in touch to contribute £30.

“People have been saying they didn’t find school easy but Dad was a brilliant support and an amazing teacher,” said Lizzie. “I am so glad that we have done this event now while Dad is still here so that he could see all these lovely messages. He has been so touched.”

She said on the day of the relay the team had all notched up personal bests. One runner who had just completed her Couch to 5K programme managed to run 7K and Lizzie herself ended up running 12 miles after problems with her Fitbit meant she kept on going longer than she needed to.

“It was complete panic!” she said. “I was running really fast as well because I had to do the distance in two hours, and I kept adding bits onto the run. When I got back home and worked it all out I had gone much further than I thought!”

Gordon followed the relay’s progress and cheered home the last runner, Lizzie’s friend Hannah, via Zoom before thanking all the others at the end.

“I never want to run as far again,” said Lizzie, “but we had a wonderful day.

 “It was really great to see everyone completing their parts of it and we were over the moon at having run so far.”

You can still support Lizzie's efforts here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/elizabeth-shankland