Bury council worker to race 105 miles across Scotland in memory of his mother

READY: Andrew Warren training

By Karen Regn

Bury council worker Andrew Warner is married to hospice fundraising.  Literally. 

His wife Claire is the Director of Fundraising at Bury Hospice, after all.  

But it isn’t spousal devotion that has inspired Andy to race 105 miles across Scotland this weekend.  

The 47-year-old benefits officer is competing in the two-day Nokia Coast to Coast challenge, in which he will run, cycle, and kayak from Nairn to Loch Leven, in memory of his mother, Margaret, who spent months in the care of a hospice before passing away last November. 

He hopes the money raised will help close the gap on the £380,000 standing between Bury Hospice and its goal of £4.5 million, allocated for a new, state-of-the-art building.   

“I think it was his mother’s experience which really brought home to Andy how special the care offered by hospices really is,” said Claire.  “I am really proud of him and he has worked really hard at his training.”   

For the past six months, Andy has followed a rigorous training schedule.  He began with a six-week “couch to 5K” program before gradually lengthening his runs.  

And in the past month, he has trained each week for at least seven hours and covered dozens of kilometres on his bicycle and on foot.  

“I am delighted to play a small part,” said Andy. “Whatever amount people can donate will help me to help Bury Hospice achieve its dream home.” 

Anyone interested in sponsoring Andy can donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/AndrewWarner1, or by texting Andy66 followed by a space, followed by a £ sign and 1,2,3,4,5 or 10 and send it to 70070.

GRUELLING: The route Andy will take is formidable