A Southport business owner and dad-of-two has completed his first major marathon of the year – but he still has two more marathons, the Great North Run and an 11,000ft skydive to go!
Gareth Johnson, the co-owner of Just Wings, pushed himself through the pain barrier to complete the London Marathon in high temperatures.
His training continues in his determination to raise funds for a number of great charities.
Gareth Johnson said: “The London Marathon was an unbelievable experience from start to finish.
“The weather was amazing but it was hot, hot hot!
“I had to re-evaluate my strategy. I got to nine miles and cramped up and then it was all about finishing! It wasn’t the time I wanted but I completed it and it’s into the Great North Run now in September before Berlin at the end of September!
“These runs are all about supporting some amazing charities.
“If any local businesses would like an opportunity to sponsor me and get their logo on my top I would love to hear from you.”
Gareth is taking on his running and skydiving challenges after losing an incredible 10 stone.
He is the one of the owners of Just Wings, famous for its freshly prepared authentic Buffalo style wings and American catering.
The determined dad-of-two is now getting ready for: the Great North Run on 7th September; the Berlin Marathon on 21st September; and the New York Marathon on 2nd November.
His two children, Hunter, aged three and Scarlett, aged 11, will be cheering him on every step of the way.
He’s also planning to jump out of an aircraft at 11,000 ft in a charity skydive for Queenscourt Hospice on 22nd June.
Gareth raised £20,000 for the hospice, which cares for patients in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire, in 2024.
The 42-year-old said: “This year I’m really going for it, and I’m really grateful to local people and businesses for their amazing support.
“Until last year I had never even run a marathon, and only one half marathon in the past!
“The challenges are coming up thick and fast now. Next up I have full marathons in Berlin and New York, the Great North Run and the skydive for Queenscourt.
“I really want to challenge myself this year – and this certainly will.
“I have been given some fantastic support from several local businesses, and will be wearing their logos on my running tops and on my flag.
“I have space for more companies to get involved if anyone would like to contact me.
“I’ll be running for some incredible charities: The Salvation Army UK, Alzheimer’s UK, Queenscourt Hospice, Prostate Cancer UK, and Get Kids Going. The fundraising commitments for these spots are quite significant.
“One of my inspirations for running for charity was to do something for my grandad, Roy Craft, a veteran who sadly passed away last year after years after a battle with Alzheimer’s.
“I really wanted to do something in his memory.
“I made a promise to my mum, Andrea – she is the absolute rock of our family – who cared for him right up to the end.
“Luckily, I was given the Berlin Marathon place to run for the Alzheimer’s Society charity.
“Sadly, there is a massive amount of families who have been affected by Alzheimer’s.
“I have set up a JustGiving page for the Berlin Marathon here: Gareth Johnson is fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK
“Instead of me managing multiple JustGiving pages, I’m reaching out to inspiring local businesses for sponsorship to give amazing companies the chance to be a part of my journey.
“You can support me by sponsoring either per race at £75 or for all the races for a total of £200. In return, I’ll display your company logo on my race gear and feature a large flag at the finish line for photos.
“Your support would mean so much to me and these charities and the belief in their causes. If you have any questions or would like to chat further about this, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
● If any businesses would like to sponsor Gareth, please email him at: gareth-johnson@hotmail.co.uk or message him via LinkedIn
The fantastic businesses kindly sponsoring Gareth so far include:
Just Wings
Synergy Max
Communications Plus
Rebecca’s Jewellers
GNW
Metrorod
Priority Recruitment
Ormskirk Accounting
Baz Todd Entertainment
Windowcare
Buildcare
Birkers Bar
Birkdale Financial Solutions
Ben Keen Tree & Gardening Services
Nationwide Catering
P A Joinery and Building
Custom Welding Services
Ben Carter Electrical
Radwraps
Lloyd & Co
Propertypac
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