This year’s Virgin London Marathon on 17th April saw local businessman Richard Jackson run the 26 mile course for the fourth time in just four hours and four minutes, to raise £1 million for an ever growing portfolio of charities.
The Nidd Vale chairman managed to raise £500,000 and has pledged another £500,000 for various worthy causes including The Yorkshire Haven in Leeds – one of three breast cancer support centres in the UK. The Haven provides a completely free programme of support and therapies to people with breast cancer and relies on individual and corporate donations to cover its running costs.
Around 36,500 people completed the iconic marathon, which covered 26.2 miles of ground around some of London’s most famous landmarks. Runners in this year’s race passed the likes of London Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament before finishing on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace.
Having previously completed the race ten years ago, Richard is no stranger to distance running. However, taking on the London Marathon is no mean feat, especially in light of the fact he has undergone three operations on his heart in the past. Despite this, Richard was determined to make the most of the opportunity. He said, “I knew that one million pounds was a huge sum to raise, especially in the current economic climate, but this will probably be the last time that I run the London Marathon and I wanted to make the most of it.”
Charity work has always been an important factor in Richard’s life, and he chairs a number of national organisations including his own charitable trust. His MBE, which he received in 2002, is testament to the importance of the fundraising work he has done throughout his life.
The Haven is reliant on the help of individuals like Richard to keep its centres running. It needs to generate £500,000 this year as it receives no government funding to provide the programmes of care it tailors for each Visitor that comes through its doors.
For more information on fundraising for The Haven, please contact Clair Challenor-Chadwick clair.chadwick@thehaven.org.uk or visit www.thehaven.org.uk. Alternatively, please call The Yorkshire Haven on 0113 284 7800.
