Matt Takes on the Chicago Marathon for East Lancashire Hospice
Matt Hayes has successfully raised over £1,100 after completing the Chicago marathon in October of this year.
“Both of my father’s parents were cared for by East Lancashire Hospice, my Nan Pam Hayes when she went in for treatment, and my grandfather Eddie by the staff who made sure he was supported throughout her illness. Eddie has since passed, but the whole family saw the care and support he was offered and we are extremely grateful. We couldn’t thank the staff enough for their support and kindness throughout this difficult time”
Matt had been working and living in New York when he first signed up for the marathon, but Covid stopped him taking part in 2020. He joked that he opted for the Chicago marathon because the course is fairly flat, but the distance is still a challenge.
“I was training with other runners when I lived in New Jersey. They were all taking on different marathons, and I felt inspired to join them in the challenge. From there it was natural that I would run for charity, and even though I was living thousands of miles away, East Lancashire Hospice was the only choice for me.”
Despite the fact Matt does not live in Blackburn, his cousins Tom and Will Hayes still live in Blackburn, and the family as a whole continue to support the hospice. “My brother Steve married his partner Emma in 2021 and they included wedding favours from East Lancashire Hospice. It is something we all feel passionate about. East Lancashire Hospice had a massive impact on the whole family, and we all appreciated the care they offered to my Nan during her final couple of weeks.”
Despite the delay, Matthew was still committed to completing the marathon, even though he had moved back to the UK. “I lived in New York for 6 years but moved back to work in London this year. Helpfully, my fiancé Keri and I had a wedding in Connecticut for the weekend before the Chicago marathon, so it fitted in perfectly and helped with the jetlag.
“We used it as an opportunity to visit Chicago as tourists and took in their famous Deep Pan Chicago Pizza to refuel right after the marathon. It really is like a pie!”
Matt successfully completed the marathon in 4 hours 18 minutes, a time he is a little disappointed in, but admits he had not been able to train properly, particularly as he and his fiancé had been in the process of moving back to the UK.
Matt would love to do the London marathon, but he is hoping to get married September 2023 and he doesn’t think he will be able to train enough to be ready for the challenge. He is instead eyeing up the East Lancashire Hospice 10k race taking place in January 2023.
Matt has left his Just Giving Page open, and people can still donate in memory of Pam Hayes. Visit Matthew Hayes is fundraising for The East Lancashire Hospice (justgiving.com)