ELECTRICAL engineer Matt Wainwright had hoped that his place in the 2020 London Marathon would help him raise money for our patient care.
Matt has been supporting St Luke's since his cousin Rebecca Holland became one of our community patients in 2017 as she battled against cancer.
In 2018 he raised £1,500 by competing in Manchester’s marathon and last year his place in the London Marathon brought in more than £4,000.
His intention in 2020 was to bring his fundraising total up to £10,000 - but then the COVID-19 pandemic struck and the Virgin Money London Marathon was one of the biggest national events to bit hit by lockdown.
Instead of taking a break, though, 25-year-old Matt decided that he’d simply run his own marathon, even though the route might be a little unconventional.
Starting out from his home in Worrall, the first 13.1 miles saw him run to Bradfield and its famous dam, after which he ran on to Hillsborough, along Penistone Road, past his employers Swann Morton, through Hillsborough Park and then took a steep climb back up to his starting point - observing social guidelines all the way.
With no break, he then completed 260 laps of his garden, adding a further 3.1 miles to his total.
After that it was straight onto the treadmill to complete the punishing full 26.2 mile marathon distance in a total of five hours and nine minutes.
And that fantastic effort up to now has raised a brilliant £4,255 - including Gift Aid - on his Virgin Money Giving page.
“For me, taking this time out of my life is a little sacrifice compared to what the money raised can do for the people St Lukes support,” Matt said.
“I have always been aware of and inspired by St Lukes from an early age and know that their work is all about creating happiness and I think that is something everyone should aspire too.
“As a family we have unfortunately seen the pain that cancer can cause and leave behind.
“My inspiration for this run and every one after that will always be the spirit and courage that my cousin Rebecca showed through her battle with cancer.”
There’s still time to support Matt by visiting https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/matthewwainwright1