Meet the man running eight and a half marathons for dad and the Christie

Approaching his 36th birthday, Connor Robinson from Worsley had a huge desire to do something positive in his life.

He decided to challenge himself to run 365km in 365 days across 8.5 marathons in Europe to raise money for The Christie Charity.

Connor Robinson’s charity challenges

The initial inspiration for this challenge came from Connor’s best friend Jack Prady.

After Jack’s mum Tracy, who was treated at The Christie hospital in Manchester, died of bowel cancer in April 2020, Jack set up the TP23 Foundation in memory of her and ran an incredible 252 miles, raising more than £30,000 for The Christie Charity.

Connor felt that he wanted to ‘do his bit’ and help contribute to the fantastic fundraising that Jack had done, by doing the same.

He set himself a huge goal of taking on not just one marathon but eight – plus a half-marathon to complete the set!

Doing it for his dad, Wayne

Having never been a runner, Property Projects Director Connor knew that completing even one marathon would be a challenge for him. But seeing what his friend Jack had achieved, spurred Connor on.

Just 10 weeks into his 18-week training programme on 10th January this year, Connor’s own dad, Wayne Robinson, was diagnosed with throat cancer.

A non-smoker and drinker, Wayne’s cancer was caused by the HPV virus.

Fundraising for The Christie hospital

He has started treatment at The Christie hospital, having daily radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

“Whilst I am running this challenge in Jack’s mum Tracy’s memory, it is also for every single person who’s ever needed the remarkable services provided by The Christie – especially my dad,” explained Connor.

“When starting this challenge, I wanted to take it across Europe and spread the name and awareness of The Christie not just throughout the Northwest but the whole of the UK and beyond!

“There’s probably no other family I have been closer to over the last 15-plus years than the Pradys and I have seen first-hand the immediate and long-lasting impact cancer has on loved ones, but also how much needed and invaluable the treatment and care received by The Christie was.”

The Barcelona marathon

Connor’s friends and family will be following his journey and supporting him along the way and Jack has even vowed to run every marathon with him.

Their first marathon will be on Sunday 10th March in Barcelona and Connor will be documenting their journey on Instagram – @letsrunwithconnor

Connor has raised £3,253 to date, which is 90% of the initial target of £3600.

To contribute to Connor’s fundraising, click here

Connor’s eight marathons will take placed in Barcelona, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, Chester, Dublin, Athens, Valencia with the final half marathon TBC.

Alicia Gaffey, Sporting Events Coordinator at The Christie Charity, said, “We’re so grateful to Connor taking on this amazing fundraising challenge. It’s wonderful that his friend Jack will be supporting him every step of the way and we wish them both the very best of luck and thank them for their amazing fundraising efforts.”

To support the work of The Christie Charity, please go to Donate today by clicking here 0161 446 3988.

About the Christie

The Christie Charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS is able to fund. This includes money for care and treatment, research, education, and extra patient services. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie can provide to patients and their families.