Chief Fire Officer’s ultra marathon raises over £2,000 for Preston hospital’s charity

L to R: Pat Thompson, Sarah Holden, and Justin Johnson.

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity is set to benefit from a donation of £2,400 thanks to the fundraising efforts of the county’s Chief Fire Officer.

Justin Johnson, an avid runner and supporter of the NHS, took on the challenge of completing a 43-mile ‘Ultra Marathon’, running the length of the Lancaster Canal on Wednesday 17 June.

Completing the run in around nine hours, Justin was met at the finish line in Preston with a group of cheering colleagues from Lancashire’s fire department.

Justin said: “In a crisis, there are people at the frontline and those people deserve our support as well as our admiration.

“The NHS has been doing a fantastic job in difficult circumstances, and I wanted to do something to provide some small support to help them and their patients.

“The run was a real challenge but it was made all the better from great public support and knowing it was for such a great cause.”

Justin joined during his challenge by Sarah Holden.

Roya Armstrong, Fundraising Coordinator for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are so grateful to Justin for completing such a gruelling challenge and raising such an amazing amount for the benefit of our staff and patients!

“It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, but Justin smashed it and we are so thankful for his contribution and continued support.

“We will make sure the funds are spent on the wellbeing and care of our staff, patients and their loved ones.”

To make a donation, visit Justin’s JustGiving page.

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