Marathon Man, Gary McKee was joined by Whitehaven and Workington MP, Josh MacAlister as his 100 marathons for Hospice at Home West Cumbria reached the half way point.

Josh MacAlister MP is pitching in with local fundraising legend Gary McKee MBE, known as “Marathon Man”, as he takes on his latest extraordinary challenge of running 100 marathons in 100 days in the run-up to the London Marathon.

Gary, from Cleator Moor, is hoping to raise £100,000 for Hospice at Home West Cumbria through the challenge.

If successful, it will bring his total fundraising for the charity to £1 million over the last five years.

Josh is now pitching in with the pair to raise funds for Hospice at Home West Cumbria as all three prepare to run the London Marathon on April 26.

Gary McKee MBE said: “The support from people across West Cumbria has been incredible throughout this challenge.

“Reaching the halfway point with my 50th marathon was a really special moment, and it meant a lot to have Josh join me for part of the run.

“Hospice at Home West Cumbria does amazing work supporting patients and families, and I’m determined to keep going until we reach that £100,000 target.

“Knowing Josh will also be running the London Marathon and helping raise awareness and funds for the hospice is fantastic.”

To mark the halfway point of the challenge, Josh MacAlister MP joined Gary and his son Beau for the 50th marathon, joining them for the first half.

Hospice at Home West Cumbria delivers palliative and end-of-life care to people throughout West Cumbria, offering comfort, dignity, and support when it’s needed most.

Funds raised during this challenge will directly support essential home nursing services and compassionate care for both patients and their loved ones.

Julie Monk, Chief Executive of Hospice at Home West Cumbria, said: “Gary’s commitment over the last five years has been truly inspiring and has made an enormous difference to our charity and the people we support.

“This latest challenge is another incredible achievement.

“The funds raised will play a key role in helping us expand the services we offer, including home nursing, dedicated specialist complementary therapy and bereavement support services.

“Demand for our support continues to grow year on year and we would not be able to deliver all we do if it wasn’t for the support of people like Gary and people across our local communities.

“We’re also very grateful to Josh for his continued support and for helping secure government funding for our new headquarters.

“The backing of both Gary and Josh will help us continue providing specialist care and support for families across West Cumbria.”

The charity recently received £150,000 in government funding, which Josh MacAlister MP helped to secure, and plans to use it to help complete the refurbishment and fit-out of their new headquarters in Workington, including a dedicated patient services area with treatment and therapy rooms, meeting rooms, and facilities for bereavement clinics.

Josh MacAlister MP said: “Gary’s challenge is nothing short of extraordinary. Running 100 marathons in 100 days takes immense determination, but it’s typical of Gary that he’s doing it to support others in our community.

“Hospice at Home West Cumbria provides vital care and support to families at some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

“I was proud to help secure £150,000 in government funding for their new headquarters, and Gary has now persuaded me to join him in running the London Marathon to help him reach his £100,000 goal.

“There’s no way I could pull off running 100 marathons in 100 days, but I’m committed to running the final one in London and doing my bit to help Gary and Beau hit their target.

“Every pound raised will help ensure people in West Cumbria can access the compassionate care and support they deserve at the end of their lives.”

Gary, Beau and Josh will continue fundraising in the lead up to the London Marathon as part of the effort to reach the £100,000 target for Hospice at Home West Cumbria.