One marathon down and one to go for Macclesfield grandad raising thousands for The Christie
By Alex Greensmith 4th Oct 2021
A Macclesfield marathon-running great-grandad is over the moon as he joyously completed the London Marathon.
Harry Newton (83) met both his fundraising and time goals, as part of his two-marathon challenge where he'll likely end up raising over £3000.
He completed the London Marathon on Sunday, with a time of five hours and 20 minutes.
This was ten minutes ahead of his goal of five-and-a-half hours, and made him the second best marathon runner in his age group.
It was his seventeenth London Marathon - but not his best time overall.
The retired grocer recorded a personal best of 3:52:30 in 2008 - the same year as he was diagnosed with cancer.
Thankfully, Harry was given the all-clear from his lymphoma in 2009.
He has ran over 20 charity marathons in his athletic career.
This time round he chose to raise money for a new cancer treatment unit opening in Macc later this year.
So far, 94 people have donated over £2,367 for his completion of the London Marathon, with all proceeds going to The Christie Macclesfield. And he's still got another marathon to go this month!
Harry has ran marathons since he was 57. And you can donate to support him here.
He said: "I completed Phase 1 of my challenge - the Virgin London Marathon - in precisely 5 hours 19 minutes and 23 seconds."
"I was second in the V80 Age group, first was a gentleman from Canada, so I was the fastest V80 UK runner.
"I am now hoping my body will recover enough to complete Phase 2, The Manchester next Sunday [October 10]."
Harry was cheered on at the event and virtually by his wife Phyllis, two sons, one daughter, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
You can read our previous chat with Harry and find more about his life here.
You can donate to Harry ahead of his second marathon in seven days here.
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