Andrew Baker, Finance Director for outdoor furniture, wooden products and decorative garden structure specialist, Zest 4 Leisure, has gone the extra mile this year to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, the company’s chosen charity for 2021.
It’s been almost a year-long Marathon Challenge, clocking up an astonishing 1,572 miles so far, and raising thousands of pounds for the charity.
Highlights include running a staggering 27 miles during Zest’s, (part of P&A Group) 24 Hour Challenge in June as well as posting a personal best (pb) time for the Berlin Marathon at 3 hours 16 minutes and 26 seconds. More recently, he ran the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in another pb of 1 hour 26 minutes and 29 seconds.
Andrew has been joined in his endeavors by Iwan Gwyn, manager of Woodworks Garden Centre and Café (also part of the P&A Group), who has completed an equally impressive 1,034 miles.
Commenting on their achievements this year, Andrew said: “It's been a tough year for many due to the pandemic but running is great for mental health and it would be good if, through this challenge, we could inspire more people to give it a go. I’ve kept going partly because of my competitive nature - always wanting to go faster or further - but more so due to knowing the funds raised are going to a great cause. I have two family members undergoing cancer treatment at the moment which really puts it into context.”
Macmillan Cancer Support provides physical, financial, and emotional support to people diagnosed with cancer, from the moment they have been diagnosed through treatment and beyond.
There is still time to donate to Andrew and Iwan’s Macmillan Marathon Challenge and, anyone wishing to do so, can click the link here or here.