Martyn Cassidy, a 49-year-old quantity surveyor, has set out to complete 50 organised running events in a year to raise funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice. As he nears his 50th birthday on June 28, Cassidy has chosen the Great Manchester Run as his 46th event in support of the beloved Manchester children’s hospice.
Cassidy’s motivation for his “50 for 50” challenge is to celebrate his milestone birthday by getting fit and breaking a 20-year cycle of only participating in one running event a year. His weekly challenges have taken him on a tour of the north west of England, including a combination of 5k Parkruns, 10k runs, half marathons, and being part of a marathon relay team.
The Great Manchester Run holds a special place in Cassidy’s heart, as it was the first running event he ever participated in back in 2005. He and his now-wife Sara were dared by friends to take part, and they have been returning to the event every year since.
Cassidy shared, “That’s really when my running started at the Great Manchester Run. I loved running the route and it’s a great event for a first timer as the crowds and atmosphere pulls you along. There is a really good vibe in the town afterwards with all of the runners and their families and friends.”
As part of his “50 for 50” challenge, Cassidy will have completed approximately 500km in races and an additional 500km in training runs between events. He has set a fundraising goal of £2,000 and has already raised over £1,800. Some of the events he has participated in include the Wilmslow 10k, Birkenhead Parkrun, Tatton half marathon, Alton Towers 10k, Liverpool half marathon, and the Trafford 10k.
Cassidy shared, “Wilmslow Summer 10k was a bit of a special one as I somehow managed to knock over half a minute off my 10k Personal Best (PB). I was accompanied, for the first of more than 22 occasions, by my inspirational better half Sara who also achieved a PB. On the way back to the car a lady approached us and thanked us for running for Francis House as her child had been there. It certainly put things in perspective.”
Francis House Children’s Hospice provides support to over 600 families from across Greater Manchester, offering services such as respite care, homecare, sibling support, end of life care, and bereavement support to children and young adults with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. The hospice’s annual running costs are £4.8 million, approximately £13,150 per day, and all services are provided free of charge. The majority of funding comes from charitable donations.
Cassidy shared, “I was already aware of the brilliant work that Francis House does. It just felt like the right choice. I went to an open day at the hospice and it inspired me a lot. The next day, I was running a very muddy and hilly Delamere Forest Trail 10k and it really pushed me to keep going.”
He continued, “I’m addicted to running now. I’ve obliterated all of my PB’s at every distance. I’ve made new friendships in the local running community, just by meeting up at the events you get chatting. I’ve also met people where I live which is nice. I’d like to think I’ve also inspired a couple of my friends to join in as well. A guy at work did his first-ever Parkrun with me.”
For those who are interested in participating in the Great Manchester Run 10k or Half Marathon on May 26 and running in support of Francis House, discounted places are available. However, availability is limited. To learn more and register, visit www.francishouse.org.uk/great-manchester-run.
