Ministry of Defence Officer Completes Runs for Charity (News Piece for The Herald)

Words originally for Plymouth daily newspaper The Herald, completed on a week of work experience in December, yet to be published.

A MINISTRY of Defence finance officer based at Devonport has succesfully completed a running challenge stretching across across the country, raising hundreds of pounds for charity in the process.

Marc Craig, 34, set himself the target of completing ten 10km races in a year in aid of St Luke’s Hospice, which provides support for more than two thousand people from local areas with terminal illnesses each year.

Marc completed the challenge, raising £600 for charity, running in races across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and London - where he ran on the course likely to be used for the 2012 Olympic marathon.

Stephanie Cherington, of St Luke’s Hospice and who received the sponsored proceeds from Marc, was full of admiration and said: “Marc is an inspiration, setting himself the challenge of running ten 10km challenges in one year.

“Raising £600 will make a big difference to St Luke’s, helping us to continue to care for patients in Plymouth and the surrounding area.

“I would like to thank all those who have sponsored Marc and the Naval Base for their support.”

Marc, who lives in Saltash and who is a keen roadrunner, said: “It’s been an interesting and challenging year but also thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring.

“Raising money for such a good cause was the main reason for competing in the races and I would like to say a warm thank you to everyone who has sponsored me during the year.

“A big thank you also needs to go to my girlfriend and parents who have supported ne at every race and have been there with me every step of the way.”