Penwortham man taking on running challenges for St Catherine's Hospice

Christopher Pilkington, from Penwortham, has already taken on sponsored challenges for the charity such as organising a walk around the Guild Wheel with around 60 people, which raised thousands for the hospice.Now, he’s gearing up to take on some of his biggest challenges yet – a number of gruelling 15k and half marathon runs in the Lake District.

The 34-year-old said: “St Catherine’s has supported friends and family close to me and I couldn’t think of a better charity to support. I am running for my grandma, Joan Pilkington, and everyone else who has experienced the amazing care offered by St Catherine’s, as well as all the staff and volunteers at the hospice.

“After playing football for years and getting injured quite a lot, I decided to start running up hills and trails in the Lake District. “I enjoy the freedom of running and enjoy every minute. Sometimes I train well, sometimes I don’t, but I still turn up and just use my head and legs and hope for the best! It’s a case of ‘mind over matter’.“My two sisters and I were brought up in a walking family – we go to the Lakes regularly with my mum and dad. Sometimes I go by myself to walk or run; I’ve already done the Old Man of Coniston and Jack’s Rake in the Langdale Pikes.“I decided it would be a great idea to put these expeditions to good use and represent my local hospice – helping to raise awareness of the wonderful work St Catherine’s does, and hopefully generate funding for the cause.”

Christopher has already completed the Coniston 15k and is preparing for the Hellvelyn 15k on October 13; Ullswater 14k on October 14; Langdale 13.1 miles (half marathon) on October 20 and Trough of Bowland 13.1miles (half marathon) on December 15.”He will follow this on next year with the 55k Lakeland trail, Ambleside and he is also looking into entering a marathon.

You can follow Christopher’s progress via http://www.facebook.com/bookofpilx/