Chris Furlong prepares for Southport Half Marathon as fundraising nears £1,000

Councillor Furlong after the Great Manchester Run

Councillor Chris Furlong is preparing for the Southport half-marathon on Sunday 2 July.

The 13.1 mile race is his third and final race to raise funds for three charities across the borough with which he has a connection: The Lighthouse Project Middleton, Springhill Hospice and Heywood Guides Senior Section.

The councillor has already completed two 10k races in Bolton in April and the Great Manchester Run in May, knocking almost 32 minutes off last years’ time, setting his personal best at 53.04.

He said: “The race itself was a few days after the Manchester bombing and the show of strength and resilience from the runners and those who turned up to cheer the runners on was inspirational. It was a privilege to have been there to show the bombers that they would never win.

“The Southport half marathon is more than twice as long as I have ever run in a race before so I have stepped up my training. I have been running up to 35k a week and swimming up to 71 lengths of the pool at a time. Overall, I have trained the equivalent of running to Birmingham and back in preparations for the three races.

"Due to the much further distance running the half marathon, it will be more about endurance than the time, so will be just happy to get to the end.

"The fundraising total is heading towards £1,000 and I would like to thank everyone who has donated so far for these brilliant local causes.

"On behalf of the three charities and myself, thanks to Rochdale Online for all the help you have given us.”

Over the last decade, Councillor Furlong has raised over £100,000 pounds for charities such as Help for Heroes, Sandon House, Parkinson UK, Cancer Research UK, PTA Groups, Macmillan Cancer Care, Christie Hospital and scout groups.

His fundraising efforts, which have ranged from fairs and coffee mornings to race nights and fashion shows, have also helped raise funds for local football teams, community centres, schools and churches.

In 2012, Councillor Furlong won an ‘Above and Beyond’ award at the Bibby Line Group for raising £25,000 in one year.

To donate, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/Chris-Furlong3