The Miraculous Marathon Man
Luke Barton from Hertfordshire has run the equivalent of four marathons in a month in memory of his grandad, Roy Swain – having never run seriously in his life before! His amazing fundraising drive has resulted in over £1,000 being raised for North London Hospice.
Luke, 32, wanted to combine a new challenge to get fit during lockdown with a way to remember his beloved grandfather, who was cared for by North London Hospice’s team of community nurses at home in Barnet. He managed to do all of this without any previous experience of running! Luke ran over 5km a day throughout March to meet his target of 168.8km.
Electrician Luke, says: “The challenge was so hard for the first 20 days or so, as my whole body was giving up on me, I struggled to walk, especially down stairs. After the first 20 days, I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel, my body was getting used to it, and I found the running a lot easier and more enjoyable.”
Luke’s challenge has raised an impressive £1,455 for North London Hospice, which will support other families facing life limiting or terminal illness.
Describing his relationship with his grandad, Luke added: “Me and my grandad were very close, both big Spurs fans and we both like a flutter on the horses. We always had stuff in common.” Luke describes his grandpa as well known throughout Barnet, popular and hugely likable, noting that “it’s a shame he couldn’t have the send-off he deserved with Covid restrictions to funerals.”
Our Barnet Community team cared for Roy, as Luke says: “my grandad spoke highly of them and said they were nice people. He had night carers to give my mum and nan time to themselves. It was a big relief for someone to do the caring my grandad required. I am forever grateful for the service of the hospice both recently to my grandad and as well to my Auntie Bev whilst she was poorly. As a thank you, I wanted to raise as much money as I could to donate on behalf of my family.”
Thank you, Luke, for your amazing achievement.
To donate to Luke’s fundraising, click here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/luke-burton8
