Gary Washbrook is Head of Maintenance at Barchester’s Wimborne Care Home and can normally be found keeping everything in good working order at the home. However, on Sunday October 2nd, Gary will be putting down his power tools and donning his trainers to run 26.2 miles around the streets of London in order to raise funds for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation. Gary is taking part in the iconic London Marathon, his first ever in-person marathon.
No stranger to a challenge, Gary was already a keen cyclist and swimmer but it wasn’t until three years ago that a friend persuaded him to start running by doing Couch to 5K and he hasn’t looked back. Now a keen runner, his goal has always been to take part in the London Marathon and to raise funds for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which helps older people and those with disabilities stay connected with their local communities.
Speaking about his motivation to do the event, Gary comments: “I turned 50 this year and I have always wanted to do the London Marathon, now that I am running regularly I thought, why not! I hope me running the marathon will inspire others to get out and run, it is so good for clearing your mind – there’s nothing better than getting out into the fresh air. Barchester’s Foundation is such a worthwhile cause and it is a lovely feeling to be able to help out and raise much needed funds. It is going to be tough to get round 26 miles but the support of everyone here and the thought of all the money I’m raising will help me get over the finish line.”
Duncan Edwards, Regional Director for Barchester Healthcare said: “Everyone at Wimborne is super proud of Gary for taking on this challenge. Barchester’s Charitable Foundation is a great cause that helps many people in need, particularly lonely older people, which is a cause very close to the hearts of all our staff and residents, and we will be cheering Gary on all the way!”
Barchester’s Charitable Foundation supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities. For more information please visit www.bhcfoundation.org.uk or head over to Gary’s sponsorship page to donate > Gary Washbrook (justgiving.com)
