Lancashire Police officer's inspiring 1,000-mile running feat to help colleague with devastating Motor Neurone Disease

A Lancashire Police officer has put his best foot forward to fund-raise for a colleague with a crippling condition.
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Chris Williams (54) began running 2km daily last November for 300 days until his retirement from the police service to help raise £35,000.

The money will enable 53-year-old Mark Cruise to adapt his family home to make it easier for him to live with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This incurable condition affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that gets worse over time.

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Chris said: “Initially, my intention was to run every day for 30 days. I have now been running for 262 days and I am proud to say I have covered 866 miles.

Chris Williams is running 1,000 miles in aid of a colleague with Motor Neurone Disease.Chris Williams is running 1,000 miles in aid of a colleague with Motor Neurone Disease.
Chris Williams is running 1,000 miles in aid of a colleague with Motor Neurone Disease.

“With 38 days of my challenge left, I’ve decided to make it a little more interesting by setting myself a target of completing a 1000 miles, which is about 3.5 miles a day, for the remainder of the challenge.

“I have run over 5km a day for the last 40 days, and have been joined along the way by a fantastic group of friends and colleagues, old and new.

“To make it even more interesting, in the remaining days I have encouraged a group of supporters to take on various challenges, from running a ‘couch to 5k’ programme, a 31-day run streak, a 200km in 31 days challenge, and an ascending weekly long run (5k, 10k, 15k half marathon).

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“I’d like to say a massive thank you to all those who are joining me in this challenge, whether you are a family member, friend or colleague. I really appreciate your help and support that you’ve shown to me and to Mark and [and his partner] Laura and their family.

“Finally, I’m delighted to say I’ve well and truly smashed my original target of £5,000 to help with the adaptations needed to make Mark and Laura’s house accessible for Mark.”

To make a donation, please go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/cruiseys-journey

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