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Two runners have taken on a gruelling 190 mile challenge to help raise money for The Christie at Macclesfield and City in the Community, the charity established by Manchester City FC to support community initiatives. All funds raised will be split equally between The Christie at Macclesfield and City in the Community.
Julie Seddon, who lives in Monton and is a nutritionist and former lifestyles coach for City in the Community and Mike Geary, Partnerships Manager at City in the Community ran from Tower Bridge in London to the Eiffel Tower in Paris over seven days along the path of the Avenue Verte (a green route that was created to link the two cities prior to the London Olympics in 2012).
The route involved running from Tower Bridge in London to Newhaven, a ferry across to Dieppe and then five more consecutive days of running to reach the Eiffel Tower in Paris, including two exhausting 32-mile days, with an average distance each day equal to running a marathon.
One of Julie’s reasons for running was to help support her sister in law Nicola Hodkinson who lives in Macclesfield and has been treated at The Christie this year.
Speaking about the challenge Julie said: “We undertook the challenge with open minds knowing it would be difficult; however knowing we were fundraising for two wonderful charities made each step on each day a little easier. The Christie has helped my own family in recent years and always been extremely supportive of the whole family.
Mike added: “As expected, it was physically and mentally challenging, but knowing that we were raising money for two very worthy causes kept us going. Deciding to donate half of the funds raised to The Christie charity was a very personal choice for me; the Christie has treated my uncle, one of my friends and over the last six years has been treating my Dad for follicular lymphoma. The staff have been amazing to my dad, the treatment and support he has received has been incredible so I wanted to be able to give something back.
“The other half of the funds raised will be used by City in the Community to provide free healthy meals for local children during school holiday periods.”
Marie Toller, Head of Major Relationships for The Christie charity added: “This is a breathtaking personal challenge that Julie and Mike have completed to support The Christie at Macclesfield and we are very grateful for their support. Running over 190 miles in seven days is a huge achievement. With planning approval now given for The Christie at Macclesfield, we need as many people as possible to help us.”
To find out more about The Christie at Macclesfield appeal and the ways you can support it please contact The Christie charity on 0161 446 3988 or visit www.christies.org/macclesfield and to sponsor Julie and Mike please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/london2paris19
