School teacher’s marathon mission

Neil Prendergast is raising money for Children's Hospices UK

A Littleborough school teacher is training for a marathon to raise money for children’s hospices across the UK.

Neil Prendergast, 26, teaches at Holy Trinity CE Primary School and next Sunday (22 May) he will take part in the Edinburgh Marathon with his dad, Dave.

Neil’s chosen charity is Children's Hospices UK - a national charity that funds 41 Children's Hospices across the UK.

This is the first marathon the year three teacher has ever taken part in.

Neil, from Shaw, said: “It is a personal challenge.

“My dad has always wanted to do the London Marathon, we didn’t get a place for that but we were guaranteed a place in Edinburgh.”

He added: “I chose a children’s charity because I work with children and I think this is a worthy cause, I want to help bring some happiness to the children who need it.”

Neil hasn’t set a fundraising target but is grateful of any donations no matter how large or small.

Additionally, he hasn’t set a finishing time target, he said: “I just want to finish!”

Neil has put in endless hours of training to ensure he is up to the challenge and although he has never been a keen runner he has been clocking up some miles ahead of the big day.

To sponsor Neil visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NeilPrendergast