Surviving meningitis is no mean feat, but to add two marathons into the mix, would fell even the hardiest survivor.
But that is exactly what 47-year-old Martin Holding is doing this year – and he’s raising money for St Catherine’s Emergency Food Store in Wakefield and the Mothers’ Union too.
Last October, Martin, was diagnosed with viral meningitis and was very poorly. He was told to expect a slow process of recovery. But he decided to put his previous marathon running fitness to the test – by training again to run two more marathons within six months.
Said Martin: “I was very fit before the Meningitis, I’d run a number of marathons. So I was determined to get that level of fitness back as quickly as possible.
Martin trained hard and last month was rewarded when he completed the London Marathon in 3 hrs 41 minutes – raising hundreds of pounds for the Mothers’ Union.
For some that would be enough of an achievement, but not Martin. He said: “I was disappointed with that result, I wanted to beat my best time.”
So Martin is doing it again when he joins the Edinburgh Marathon this weekend (May 25) to raise money for St Catherine’s Church Emergency Food Store in Wakefield. The project provides food parcels to individuals and families in the Wakefield District who simply cannot afford to feed themselves for a variety of reasons.
Martin said: “The work they are doing there is incredible. I know they are helping hundreds of people every month and it’s amazing that they manage to do so from individual donations of food and money”.
Lisa Grant, St Catherine’s Centre Manager said: “We are delighted that Martin has chosen our Emergency Food Store for his sponsorship. We continue to deal with a growing demand for our service and every penny donated is vital to our ongoing operation”.
A Justgiving page has been set up for anyone who wishes to sponsor Martin and support the work of St Catherine’s Church Emergency Food Bank. People can go to www.justgiving.com/stcatherinespcc to donate or text STCF13£5 to 70070 to donate £5 per text. People can also donate money or non-perishable food items at St Catherine’s Church on Doncaster Road, Wakefield.
Update on Martin's Marathon
Martin Holding successfully completed the Edinburgh Marathon AND achieved a new personal best by coming in at a fantastic 3hrs, 23mins! Well done Martin!
Martin raised funds for St Catherine's Emergency Food Store in Wakefield. You can still help Martin raise funds for the Food Bank at www.justgiving.com/stcatherinespcc.