West Cumbria’s Marathon Man, Gary McKee has been included in King Charles III New Years Honours.

Gary McKee from Cleator Moor has been awarded an MBE for his services to charity and Cleator Moor.

Mr McKee said: “I’ve been informed that I’ll be receiving an MBE from King Charles III in recognition of the fundraising and charity work I’ve been involved in over the years as part of his majesty’s 2025 New Years Honours.

“Having raised in excess of £2m over the last 20 years, what’s kept me going hasn’t been awards or recognition, but the people and the charities behind the fundraising.

“Seeing the difference it’s made and meeting families, and communities here in West Cumbria who genuinely needed that support.”

He went on to thank the team that has supported him.

He said: “None of this has ever been a solo effort. Every challenge or fundraiser has only worked because people have backed it, whether that’s volunteering, donating, turning up, sharing posts, or just offering encouragement when things got tough.

“Thank you to my family, everyone who’s followed, donated, supported or simply shown an interest over the years. It’s greatly appreciated not only by me but the charities I’ve worked with too.”

A spokesperson for Hospice at Home West Cumbria, the charity that has benefited for Gary’s fundraising, said: “On behalf of trustees, staff, volunteers, patients, families and loved ones, a huge congratulations to our Vice President and superstar fundraiser, Gary McKee MBE.

“We are thrilled you have been recognised for your dedication and determination to make such a huge difference to people across West Cumbria. Thank you.”

Whitehaven and Workington MP, Josh MacAlister “Congratulations to our very own Marathon Man 365 Gary McKee on the well-deserved recognition for his incredible fundraising efforts in the form of an MBE in the New Year Honours List.

“Huge congratulations also to Claire Gallery-Strong, Corporate Services Director at Nuclear Waste Services, for her MBE for services to the nuclear industry, and to Christine Pattinson from Distington Club for Young People for her BEM in recognition of her many years of service to the community of Distington. Very worth recipients”

In 2026 Mr McKee will be undertaking his latest fundraising challenge.

He said: “In a little over two weeks I’ll set off on my 100toLDN challenge, and it would great to have your support once again and hope to see you all following along.

“Thank you and Happy New Year to you all.
Gary.”