A determined dad-of-two who has completed the London Marathon, the Disney World Marathon, the Great North Run and an 11,000 ft skydive is getting ready to take on the Berlin Marathon this weekend in memory of his beloved Grandad.
Gareth Johnson is taking on the 26.2 mile race in Germany in memory of Roy Craft, who sadly died last year.
He has set himself six big challenges to complete this year to raise as much money as he can for charity, with the Berlin Marathon challenge supporting the Alzheimer’s Society.
People can sponsor him here: Gareth Johnson is fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK
Gareth is pushing himself through the pain barrier as he runs despite a knee injury.
He became determined to run for charity after losing an impressive 10 stone in weight.
He said: “I’m looking forward to taking on the Berlin Marathon this Sunday (21st September 2025) and really want to raise as much money as I can for the Alzheimer’s Society UK charity after I lost my grandfather last year.
“This will be my third marathon of the year after Disney World, London, Berlin this weekend then I’m competing in the New York Marathon in November!
“I have now completed four of my six 2025 goals which has also include a skydive for Queenscourt Hospice and the Great North Run.
“I’ve had a slight MCL tear on my knee which has hampered my long run training but I’m ready as I’ll ever be to complete Berlin – then onto New York!”
Gareth is one of the owners of Just Wings, which is famous for its freshly prepared authentic Buffalo style wings and American catering.
Gareth, 42, has his sights set on the Berlin Marathon on Sunday 21st September; and the New York Marathon on Sunday 2nd November.
His two children, Hunter, aged three and Scarlett, aged 11, have been cheering him on every step of the way.
Gareth jumped out of an aircraft at 11,000 ft in a charity skydive for Queenscourt Hospice, after raising £20,000 for the hospice, which cares for patients in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire, in 2024.
Gareth said: “This year I’m really going for it, and I’m really grateful to local people and businesses for their amazing support.
“Three years ago, my children inspired me to lose weight, and to get fit.
“I have lost nearly 10 stone through dieting, making better eating choices, doing more running, and getting active.
“I decided to lose weight after my son was born. I feel so much better – and very different.
“I am 6’ 2’’ tall and always felt I carried weight well, but the changes have been brilliant.
“Now, I have more energy, and can run a lot quicker, and I can play a lot more with my kids.
“I love playing golf with my daughter, who is an extremely talented young golfer.
“I really want to challenge myself this year – and this certainly will.”
Gareth is taking on the events to support different charities which are all close to his heart.
He said: “There are six major marathons in the world, and I am lucky to have secured places to compete in three of them this year.
“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’ll be running for some incredible charities: The Salvation Army UK, Alzheimer’s UK, Queenscourt Hospice, Prostate Cancer UK, and Get Kids Going.
“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
“Your support would mean so much to me.
“It is going to be a long year! But hopefully a very rewarding one for all these good causes.
“It is going to keep me out of my wife’s hair at least!”
Gareth’s wife, Victoria Johnson, will be doing more than that – after Gareth talked her into running the New York marathon with him.
Gareth said: “She probably wants to kill me! My wife has never run more than a 10k run before, but she has agreed to run the New York Marathon with me, which will make it really special. I’m so proud of her.”
● 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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