Gloucester man to take on 13 challenges in one year to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder

A Gloucester man is a quarter of the way through a year-long fundraising feat which will see him attempt 13 challenges by the end of 2023 for national healthcare charity, Sue Ryder.  

61-year-old Chris Kirkham from Hucclecote has already taken on three 10k runs and a duathlon as part of his charity challenge to raise money for Sue Ryder, which runs Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham.  

Over the coming months, Chris, who works for the Canal and River Trust, will one by one tick off another nine events made up of 10k, half marathon and cycling races, as he pledges to raise hundreds of pounds for families needing the charity’s expert care. 

“Six years ago, I had a health scare and decided I really need to get fit and lose weight and that’s when my fitness journey really began,” said Chris. 

“After doing three charity events for three different charities last year, I thought this time I would like to focus on one cause, and one which has a positive impact on my local community.  

“My mother and father have both passed away in the last three years and were fortunate enough to be cared for at home by the same wonderful carer. The comfort that gave our family was immeasurable. Sue Ryder provides the same kind of care they received, and I hope that by raising money for the charity other people can experience such compassionate support too,” he added.  

Chris is a regular member at the Gloucester City Park Run both as a participant and more recently as a volunteer, which he says has helped sustain his fitness and prepare him for his fundraising challenges.  

“My wife and I have done Park Run events in many different locations including Japan, France, and Denmark – we have completed over 120 events to date. They are brilliant and the community is so supportive. They really have inspired me to want to get out there and run,” said Chris. 

As part of his challenge, Chris will be taking part in Sue Ryder’s flagship cycling event Ride for Ryder on 9 July.  

 “Some close friends first introduced me to the Ride for Ryder event, and I have enjoyed them so much that this year will be the sixth time I have taken on the 130km route,” Chris said.  

“I have also signed up to the Run Cheltenham 10k in September, which I have never done before, so I am looking forward to that too. But, in all honesty, the running community is so friendly and warm that I ‘m really going to enjoy being part of every one of my events and if I can raise money for Sue Ryder at the same time then that would be brilliant!” he added. 

Chris is hoping to raise £1000 for Sue Ryder which provides expert and compassionate palliative care to people living with life-limiting conditions as well as supporting their families.  

To find out more about Chris’ challenges and to donate, visit his Just Giving page
here.  

If Chris has inspired, you to take on a challenge for Sue Ryder in 2023 you can view our events calendar
here.  

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk