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Alex Staniforth At Darwen Half Marathon

Quality running by Alex at Darwen Half

Alex Staniforth set himself an extra challenge at the tough Darwen Heritage Half Marathon on Sunday (7 April) when he ran dressed in a green triangle on behalf of the YHA.

The 23-year old mental health ambassador, motivational speaker and adventurer from Cheshire used sport and the great outdoors to improve his wellbeing. He inspires others to do the same, to get active and enjoy the benefits whilst overcoming adversity. Alex has raised over £85,000 for charity with the YHA his latest worthy cause hence the large green triangle costume which is the organisation’s official logo. This costume also has an uncanny resemblance to the Quality Street green triangle! Alex is also an endurance athlete and is preparing for London Marathon where he will be wearing his YHA green triangle.

He was part of a keen field of runners at last weekend's hilly half organised by Darwin Dashers Running Club. The race was started by two young boys, Tom and Jack Mayoh, who are also inspirational fundraisers. The pair set themselves a target of £20,000 for East Lancashire Hospice which cared for their mother before she died from cancer in July 2018. They also handed out the medals at the finish.

The runners faced an up and down course on closed roads with a particularly steep section after the bridge at 14K but there was plenty of local support to keep them going. Jacob Watson of Blackburn Harriers AC was the men's winner in 1:16:36; Melanie Koth of Lytham St Annes Road Runners won the women’s race in 1:32:43. Alex Staniforth finished in 1:37:47.

The Mayoh brothers having broken their fundraising target and raised £21,111 for the hospice are planning to continue with their fundraising efforts.

Image courtesy of Alex Staniforth.

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