The Christie charity Impact Report 2021-22

ACHALLENGING CHALLENGE Newly qualified primary school teacher James Hayes completed The Christie Challenge in 2021.

James’ dad, Peter, was receiving ongoing treatment for bowel cancer. James planned to run a couple of events for The Christie as a thank you. Sadly Peter died in July 2021, so James decided to tackle The Christie Challenge, running a total of 105 miles across six events. The first in Tameside was just a few days after his dad’s death - the last two being back-to-back marathons within one week of each other. James explained: “I started running during my dad’s treatment as it was a little bit of escapism for me during what was a very difficult time. When dad died, I heard about

The Christie Challenge and it seemed like a good thing to do in his memory – a connection with him that I wanted to keep going.”

“It was really tough doing them all within five or six months, but I’m

extremely glad I did it. My dad showed so much bravery that I have decided to run at least one marathon a year, until I can’t run anymore, in memory of him.”

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