Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Hoping to gain capital from first marathon
A Bargeddie man will take part in his first ever marathon attempt during this Sunday’s London extravaganza.
Labourer John James Hannaway is getting ready to embark on the epic challenge to raise as much money as possible for Young Lives vs Cancer.
And the 28-year-old will have the best motivation possible for his fundraising journey, with support from his wife Paula and four young daughters, Ava, Aurora-sophia, Auriana and Ayla.
John James told the Advertiser: “The London Marathon will be my first ever attempt at a marathon.
“I’m trying to aim to complete it in three hours or under, which is about the top three per cent of all runners.
“I am doing this in support of Young Lives vs Cancer, which is a great charity that helps young people and their families during the hard battle they have with this horrible disease.”
Through working with JD Wetherspoons for nearly nine years,
John James worked a lot with the charity at various fundraising events.
Despite moving to a new job, he wanted to continue his support of the charity.
John James added: “When I was younger one of my friends was diagnosed with cancer.
“Young Lives vs Cancer offer various support mechanisms for children, young people and their families affected by cancer, providing services for those aged up to 25.
“That includes ‘home from home’ support to take the pressure off families whilst youngsters are going through their treatment.”
John James has already raised £1100 of his £2000 target, and is hoping to reach that by the time of his run.
The former St Ambrose High School pupil explained: “I wanted to accomplish something for myself.
“People have been hit badly due to the pandemic, but I have had a lot of support from family and friends, colleagues at work and through social media as well.”
“I had applied to do the London Marathon in 2022, but someone else dropped out and so they offered me the chance to take part this year – and I jumped at the chance to compete.”
Despite being a novice runner, determined John James has put his heart and soles into preparing for his big day.
He added: “I downloaded the training plan from the marathon website. It’s an 18-week training programme.
“On a Sunday I usually do a long run before the end of the week. I have to run 22 miles three weeks before the start of the marathon. After that you bring your training levels down a bit prior to the race to conserve your energy.”
Although he will be flying solo this Sunday, Paula and the girls will be supporting the Bargreddie local from home, having downloaded the marathon app to follow his progress during the race.
To support John James on his marathon journey, visit his Justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/john-james-hannaway2