Circulation 13,500
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Issue 73
April 2017
MARATHON MAN MAKES IT HALFWAY BY RACHAEL GREALISH rachael@egremont2day.co.uk
Cheer win Drigg YFC have a cheerful win Page 5
World Book Day Egremont World Book Day picture special Pages 12 &13
Delta blues Kent DuChaine rocked Florence Arts Centre. Page 15
100 in 100: Gary is completing his challenge in memory of his father, for Macmillan Cancer Support -photo by Mike McKenzie
Top trees Vote for your favourite Cumbria tree. Page 3
IT’S FREE!
VIKING TREASURE FOR ALL TO SEE
READ full article on page 7
MARATHON man, Gary Mckee, has hit his halfway mark in completing 100 marathons in a 100 days. Gary McKee, 47, set off for his 100-day-challenge on January 14 with the aim of running 26.2 miles a day, consecutively, for 100 days - in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. So far the ironman has racked up over 1,000 miles, completed over 60 marathons and raised over £23,000 in his efforts. But how has he managed to do it all? Mr McKee said: “I see it and have always seen it as a day at a time. Half way through just meant I had to do it all again.” The challenge will end when Mr McKee crosses the finish line of the London Marathon, on April 23. He said: “I'll be happy when I've finished London and until then I'll tick off the days.” Throughout his runs, Mr Mckee has been joined by various runners and supporters of his challenge. He said: “The weather’s getting better which is a bonus and I've got great running support.” One of his biggest supporters, he said, is his wife. “She encourages me in my fundraising,” Mr McKee said, “Without doubt I couldn't do any of this without the support of my wife.” The marathon man said he started the challenge in memory of his father, Victor, who had suffered from cancer in 1997, before passing away in
2003. Mr McKee said: “My JustGiving page is going from strength to strength and that has been a real motivator. The more money I raise the more people we can help.” To keep himself going over the 26.2 miles each day Gary will be consuming almost 10,000 calories each day. He said: “ It's really important to try and maintain muscle mass for strength. Although I eat like a horse during challenges I also lose weight.” It may seem like an enormous feat - but McKee is no stranger to tough challenges. In the past he has raised nearly £100,000 taking on such challenges as: trekking across New Zealand, cycling through Brazil and he ran 350 miles from Whitehaven to London, 2015. Another challenge, often overlooked, is keeping up the motivation to do these challenges. Mr McKee said: “To sustain motivation you must seek inspiration so think about people and things that inspire you. “I always write a happy list when I do a big challenge and I look at it constantly to remind me of the good things in my life. “I also use a mantra board to take me from a low to a high if need be. It contains photographs of family members and inspirational quotes.” Mr McKee has even managed to keep up his daily marathon when he was on a trip to Isle of Bute in Scotland. To donate to Gary’s cause visit: justgiving.com/Gary-McKee100.