Penwortham man to run 100 mile ultra-marathon for children’s charities

Martin Crowley with baby Florence, who was treated at Alder Hey — Martin Crowley with his friends’ baby Florence, who was treated at Alder Hey

A Penwortham man is taking on a 100 mile ultra-marathon to raise money for two children’s charities.

Martin Crowley was moved to enter the Robin Hood 100 for Harry and Co and Alder Hey Children’s Charity after witnessing the support they gave to close family and friends.

Martin said: “In July 2017 my sister Gill and brother-in-law Andy lost their first child together during pregnancy. Harry and Co, which is a maternity and neonatal bereavement service, provided advice and someone to talk to, for any members of the family who needed it. Gill and Andy have also been introduced to other families who have lost babies, allowing them to share their experiences.

“I chose Alder Hey after our close friends Laura and Keith’s daughter Florence underwent open heart surgery there at 12 days old. The surgeons and nurses did an amazing job of not only looking after Florence, but also supporting Laura and Keith through what was the hardest time of their lives. Florence had a very difficult few weeks, but she was a little fighter and returned home at five weeks old.”

Martin, who was born in South Africa, has been preparing for the ultra-marathon with a 25 week training plan including weekend runs of up to 30 miles.

He said: “I’ve been into running for 10 years. I started out with 10k races, then progressed to half-marathons and marathons. The furthest I’ve run was 35 miles at the Two Oceans race in Cape Town. That one ended with me proposing to my now wife just before the finish line.

“I always want to push myself and try something harder, and now I’ve got the motivation of going for the 100 miles to raise money for these two very worthy causes.”

The race will have official stations supplying food and drinks to the runners, but Martin is also taking his family along as his support crew.

Martin said: “It’s not like a marathon where there are thousands of entrants and even more spectators. There are currently 115 people doing this race so it could get lonely, especially through the night. It’ll be a great support to have my family there.

“Right now I’m excited. A couple of months ago I was a bit worried about getting enough training in and being ready, but I’ve had a good couple of months so I’m feeling more confident. However I’m sure on the day it’ll be squeaky bum time.

“My aim is to complete the race in under 24 hours. If I can reach or even go beyond my fundraising target of £2,000, it would be amazing and all worth it.”

Martin will run the Robin Hood 100 on 15 September. To donate to Martin’s fundraising, visit Just Giving.