Thurso man sprints to victory in £2000 charity appeal
A man from Thurso has completed an epic running challenge, taking on three illustrious marathons to raise money for people around the world who are left without a home.
Derek Sinclair, 51, pounded streets across the UK for over 65 miles by tackling marathons in London, Edinburgh, and Inverness to raise funds for the UK-based international disaster relief charity, ShelterBox.
In the end, Derek had raised a little over £2,000 via his JustGiving page nearly double his original target of £1300 after running the hat-trick of marathons.
The former President of the Thurso Rotary Club stood down from his position in the summer, and wanted to mark the occasion with a special charity appeal:
“I wanted to take on a challenge and raise funds for ShelterBox to mark my time as president. I’d already secured spots for the Inverness Half Marathon and the Edinburgh Marathon when I unexpectedly got into the London Marathon too. I was apprehensive at first but then thought, what’s an extra marathon?! It’ll make it a hat-trick!
Having prepared for the three separate events since February, the self confessed novice runner said each marathon was an unforgettable experience:
“In Inverness I focussed solely on the running, missing the atmosphere. In London, it was impossible to miss it. It was electric with the cheering crowds and landmarks making it an unforgettable day.
“Edinburgh was the final test, and I was pleased to beat my London time. Even more thrilled to have completed the challenge and raise a decent amount of money for a very worthy cause.
“Over 80 hours of training, covering over 500 miles on cold, dark mornings got me to the point where I could complete this challenge and do my part for people affected by disaster.”
Derek continues: “For all three events I was encouraged by messages from family, friends and ShelterBox staff wishing me good luck.”
Founded in 2000, ShelterBox is a Cornwall based charity, and has supported nearly three million people in over 100 countries across the globe.
Fiona Turner, Rotary Engagement Officer at ShelterBox, says: “It’s been a pleasure following Derek and his running. We are so grateful for his support and can’t wait to hear what’s next.
“We couldn’t continue to do this without the support of people, like Derek, who dedicate their time and efforts to raising money and awareness of the issues people are facing around the world.”
Amongst it’s many locations, ShelterBox currently operate within Ukraine and Gaza as well as Africa and other Middle Eastern countries, where the charity work closely with local partners to distribute tents, bedding and other essentials to thousands of people affected by conflict. The charity also operates in Bangladesh and Malawi, to support those affected by flooding and other natural disasters.