Legacy
Legacy
Please note: this post is 77 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
Please can you tell us all about you and the challenge you’re doing.
My name is Matt, I’m 43, married with two children and work in public affairs and communications. I’m running my first half marathon in Manchester this October for Manchester Cares. When I’m not out training, I like reading, travelling and shouting at Jose Mourinho from the Stretford End.
What inspired you to fundraise for Manchester Cares?
When I first came across Manchester Cares I knew straight away they were doing incredibly important work. The Office of National Statistics has described Britain as the “loneliness capital of Europe” and I’m worried at the breakdown of social networks across communities. Community has always been important to me and it’s a national scandal that every day eight "lonely funerals" take place, which are funded by local authorities because there are no friends or family to pay for them.
Manchester Cares are building resilience one street at a time, providing people with the opportunity to share time, laughter and new experiences in order to make them feel part of their community. It is genuinely inspiring to see.
How are you preparing for your challenge?
I’m cramming in the training and trying to stay injury free. So far, it’s going ok, but I’ve got to get plenty more miles in my legs before October.
What are you most looking forward to and most dreading about taking on this challenge?
I’m most looking forward to seeing the finish line! I’m dreading the last three miles, as I always tend to hit the wall after 10 miles. I’ve never really enjoyed longer distances. But the suffering will be more than worth it if I can raise a few quid and raise greater awareness of Manchester Cares.
What is your best riddle/joke?
When my dad was 65 he started running a mile a day to keep fit. He’s 70 now and we have no idea where he is.