Two Lanarkshire cousins took on a four-star endurance event on a poignant anniversary to raise funds for a cancer charity – and crossed the finishing line having collected more than 12 times their original target.
Kieran Stark and Nick Gardiner took part in the third annual Goggins challenge, an international event which asks participants to run four miles every four hours for 48 hours, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Moodiesburn duo wanted to raise funds for the charity in memory of Kieran’s dad Paul, who sadly died of a brain tumour last year aged just 53.
Kieran, 27, and Nick, 28, successfully completed the tough ultramarathon challenge – devised by famous American runner David Goggins – with the support of family and friends running alongside them for each of the 12 legs over two days.
Starting the first of their runs at midnight, they completed the challenge two days later, timed to conclude a year to the day since the funeral of their dad and uncle.
With donations still coming in, they have so far collected more than £12,000 through their online fundraising page, demolishing their original fundraising target of £1000 for Macmillan.
Kieran told Lanarkshire Live: “Just over a year ago my dad was diagnosed with brain tumours. After a short spell with the illness, he died in February 2021.
“Macmillan supported my dad and our family massively during our time of need, and these funds will help the charity continue to support other patients going through similar.
“Nick and I decided to take on the Goggins challenge to raise money for Macmillan as it provided an opportunity to help others. The care my dad received from Macmillan, as well as their support to us all, was incredible.”
He added: “The challenge is a test of endurance both physically and mentally due to the round-the-clock nature, but the amazing support from family, friends and the community helped us complete it.
“We encouraged anyone who could to join in at any of the 12 stages, through running, walking or providing support in any way.
“Many people took up the offer to join us which was a great boost for us and helped to raise awareness of the charity.”
Macmillan fundraiser Bruce Port praised the cousins’ “unbelievable challenge” and said: “I’m sure it was very emotional for them throughout, especially doing it for Paul, in his memory.
“We can’t thank them enough for supporting us, and the money they have raised will allow us to continue to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.
“It’s an unbelievable achievement and again a huge thank you from everyone at Macmillan.”
Macmillan provides emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scotland, and the incredible sum raised by the two cousins will help continue that programme of support, care and research.
The charity can be contacted online, and runs a support line providing information and the option to have a chat by calling 0808 808 00 00 from 8am to 8pm each day.
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