Dad’s £2,017 mission in memory of friend
NICK HUGHES
AFATHER-OFTHREE has set himself a special fundraising goal for the year ahead.
Anthony Mathews, of Walter Street, Oswaldtwistle, is aiming to raise £2,017 in 2017 for East Lancashire Hospice in memory of a close friend who passed away from cancer.
Anthony only took up running last year and entered the Pain Barrier 10K, raising £374 for the hospice.
Mr Mathews, 32, said: “It was very different to what I have done before. It’s one of the hardest mud runs in the UK and had obstacles called things like ‘marshes of misery’.
“It wasn’t enough to put us off though – we are doing it again this year.
“I don’t know if I’m just being optimistic, or crazy. Setting myself the goal of raising £2,017 in 2017 is a big challenge.”
Anthony, married to Sharon, is supporting East Lancashire Hospice after a family friend was cared for at the Park Lee Road site before passing away.
He said: “A close friend of ours, Teresa Cole, had cancer and unfortunately passed away two-and-ahalf years ago.
“She spent her last few days at the hospice and we’ve done fundraisers for them ever since.”
Anthony, who works in business development in Blackburn, started fundraising by taking part in the fourth annual East Lancashire Hospice 10K, raising £104 and achieving a personal best of under 54 minutes.
He is planning to run two more 10Ks including the Ron Hill Accrington 10K in March and then the Burnley 10K in May before attempting his first half-marathon by the end of the year.
He said: “Running is not something I have been into previously. It’s something I have only got into this past year.”
Anthony said his family, who have previously made and sold items at various East Lancashire Hospice events, are supporting his campaign.
He said: “Everyone is on the lookout for events for me. They are giving me lots of support.
“I wanted to raise money for a local charity because you can see how your money is being spent, and you hear how much of a difference it is making in your community.
“East Lancashire Hospice makes a massive difference not only to the patients, but the friends and family afterwards. You can’t put a value on that.”
To sponsor Anthony visit www.justgiving. com/fundraising/ amathews2017
BOUNCE TIME
TRAMPOLINING sessions are being run at Hyndburn Leisure Centre.
‘Spring into Sport’, which is an inclusive sports club for people with and without learning disabilities, are holding the sessions fortnightly on Fridays between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.
Entry costs £3.50 per person and includes drinks. All abilities welcome.
The first session will take place on Friday, January 27.
For more information call 01254 457026.