Wheelchair user to complete charity marathon in one month for Hospiscare

Chris Long, a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy and a customer of Bluebird Care Exeter, is spending October fundraising for Hospiscare, by partaking in their Marathon in a Month event.

He was inspired to take part after seeing a poster on Exeter’s Quayside during one of his regular outings with his Bluebird Care Exeter Care Assistant. He told the Care Assistant that he would love to take part and signed up.

Chris’s mission is a challenging one. During October, participants must cover 26.2 miles, in their own way and at their own pace.

Everyone that completes the marathon will receive a zero-waste Hospiscare medal, and each participant is asked to raise a minimum fee of £60 in sponsorship to support the care of people living with a terminal illness across Devon.

With the help of Bluebird Care Exeter, Chris is well supported in his efforts to complete the marathon this October. The leading home care provider offers care services directly to their customer’s homes. Their visits cover a variety of highly individualised care services, from personal care to companionship, home help, to trips into the community, right up to 24-hour Live-in Care.

Talking about his inspiration, Chris said: “Five years ago, I lost my Mother to cancer. Although she did not use the Hospiscare service, I am grateful that the service was there had she needed it. So, for my Mum and all the people like her, I am undertaking this marathon in a month to ensure that Hospiscare remains available in the South West.”

Chris, a regular visitor of Quayside in his outings supported by Bluebird Care Exeter, plans to cover the majority of his miles there.

“I love it down there, its so beautiful” he explained. “I especially enjoy the cafes where you can stop for drinks and enjoy the local independent businesses.”

His greatest challenge? The weather, he thinks.

“I don’t like the rain. The wind and the rain. I am however looking forward to future fundraising opportunities, and getting more people involved each day. I’d like to one day create a huge conga line for Hospiscare, and get more and more people involved every day!”

To support Chris’ campaign, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/christopher-long9