Leicestershire man runs three-marathon challenge to raise money for Swanswell

Leicestershire and Rutland – A Leicestershire man is taking on a personal challenge to run three marathons in four weeks to raise money for Swanswell.

Gavin McDermott from Coalville will be running a combined 78.6 miles across a range of terrains in the space of a month to raise money for the national recovery charity, which wants to achieve a society free from problem alcohol and drug use.

His challenge begins with the Marathon du Medoc in Bordeaux, France, on
07 September 2013, followed by the Robin Hood Marathon in Nottingham on 29 September 2013.

It ends on 06 October 2013 with the Glencoe Marathon in Scotland – linking Glencoe with Glen Nevis, taking on the Devil’s Staircase, a 500 metre climb over the eastern edge of Aonach and 26.2 miles of running, mostly off road.

Gavin decided to take on the three-marathon task and raise money for Swanswell after seeing how people have been affected by problem alcohol and drug use during the economic downturn.

The 43-year-old is hoping to raise over £1,000 for the national charity’s services in Leicestershire and Rutland.

In the build up to the marathons, Gavin has been running dozens of miles every week – in the last week alone, he’s clocked up 52 miles before reducing his distances in preparation for the first race in France.

Gavin said: ‘I’m really looking forward to completing my three-marathon challenge while raising money for Swanswell at the same time.

‘Although I do like to keep fit, I’ve not done anything of this scale before, so I’m excited about completing it and helping to make a difference to the lives of people affected by problem alcohol and drug use in Leicestershire and Rutland.’

Jo Woods, Swanswell’s Regional Development Manager in Leicestershire and Rutland, said: ‘We’re delighted that Gavin has chosen to support Swanswell with his three-marathon challenge and we wish him all the best for these events.

‘Problem alcohol and drug use can affect anyone – not just individuals but also their friends, families and communities, so it’s really important for us to come up with new ways of reaching more people.

‘As a charity, fundraising efforts such as this and other donations play a big part in the development of new services, so we can help even more people to change and be happy.’

To support Gavin’s fundraising challenge, visit https://www.justgiving.com/Gavin-McDermott.

If you’ve got questions about problem alcohol or drug use, or are worried about someone else, contact Swanswell in Leicestershire and Rutland on 0300 303 5000 or visit www.swanswell.org.

For more information or supporting photographs, contact Stuart Goodwin:

Swanswell
Suite 5, Hilton House
Corporation Street
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV21 2DN

Tel: 01788 559 422
Email: stuart.goodwin@swanswell.org

About Swanswell
At Swanswell, we believe in a society free from problem alcohol and drug use; that everyone deserves the chance to change and be happy.

We’re a market leading charity with an exciting programme of innovative new service developments and a team of committed people who are working hard to achieve our ambitions.

Swanswell has a number of offices across the country including Coventry and Warwickshire, Birmingham, Barnsley, Sandwell, Leicestershire and Rutland. Visit Swanswell at: www.swanswell.org.

Join the conversation, follow Swanswell on twitter at www.twitter.com/Swanswell.

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