83-year-old Scunthorpe ParkRun Legend
Michael McInerney, aged 83 has always loved the great
outdoors, as a keen cyclist taking part in cycle cross, dashing through the
countryside. Michael took up running in his mid-50’s as he took part in his
first marathon in Boston Lincolnshire. He loved the course, and the wonderful
surroundings. The following April, he secured a place for the London Marathon,
and it’s safe to say, from there it cemented his love for running.
Now three decades later, Michael has completed 35 full
marathons, over 100 half marathons and took part in no less than 285 Park Runs.
Throughout this journey, he has tirelessly raised funds for charities close to
his heart.
This coming Saturday (6th January) marks a
significant milestone as Scunthorpe’s 500th Park Run. Michael will participate in this special run,
kick this month long Park Run Challenge. The goal? To raise funds to support
the Queen’s Centre at Castle Hill Hospital, inspired by the exceptional care he
has received over the past two and half years. He is also keen to help other
people receiving treatment and care for cancer though funds raised.
Michael said, “This is my personal thank you to the nursing
staff and team at the Queen’s Centre at Castle Hill Hospital for the care they
have provided me over the past 2 and a half years. I wouldn’t be here without
their marvellous care. Everyone has been
fantastic with me. From the funds I
manage to raise through my jogging and waking will help other patients like me
at Castle Hill through the hospital’s WISHH Charity.”
Grandson, Conor McInerney said, “We are incredibly proud of
my grandad. My dad has also completed the same number of Park Runs and my
sister Amy and I will be walking and jogging alongside him throughout January
to support him as he raises funds to support Cancer patients at the Queen’s
Centre, Castle Hill Hospital.” To
support Michael click on his link to access his just giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/michael-mcinerney-snr
Lisa Whitton, WISHH Charity Manager said, “It has been a great privilege to team up with Michael and his family to help support him and raise awareness of his fantastic challenge. I will be working alongside Michael and the nursing team at the Queen’s Centre, to look at how the funds raised will help make a difference to patients receiving care.”
Michael’s son, Michael Jnr has completed 285 ParkRuns alongside his Dad. They will also be joined at the ParkRun’s by proud grandchildren Amy and Conor throughout January.
Michael came to Scunthorpe from Ireland for three weeks, 57 years ago working at the Lindsey Oil Refinery and has lived here ever since! Michael is looking forward to his January Challenge and would like to thank his family, local running club – Scunthorpe and District, plus the many friends at Park Run and supporting running clubs for their support over the years.