A seasoned fundraiser is on track to reach his goal of raising £1 million for charity by completing 100 marathons in 100 days in support of his local hospice. Gary McKee, hailing from Cleator Moor, Cumbria, accomplished this remarkable feat by running the London Marathon alongside his 18-year-old son, Beau. Known as “marathon man” and honored with an MBE in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours List, Gary raised over £70,000 for Hospice at Home West Cumbria.
During his challenging endurance endeavor, Gary received support from charity advocate Kevin Sinfield, who raised substantial funds for MND research in memory of his late friend, Rob Burrow. Despite the relentless sun during the marathons, Gary found the moment of crossing the finish line while holding his son’s hand to be deeply emotional.
Reflecting on the experience, Gary mentioned how people on the course found him and his son inspirational. Even renowned athlete Sir Mo Farah acknowledged the significance of Gary’s 100th day achievement, calling it “incredible.” Starting his challenge in January, the 56-year-old Sellafield employee was joined by Beau daily for part of each 26.2-mile route, aiming to raise £100,000 and reach a lifetime total of £1 million for the hospice.
Hayley McKay from the charity expressed gratitude for McKee’s support, emphasizing that it would enable them to provide care for individuals in the future and raise awareness about their cause. She witnessed Gary’s completion of Sunday’s run in London, describing the emotional moment when they first met and saw each other cheering passionately.
Gary’s motivation stems from honoring his late father, Victor, who battled lung cancer. Over the years, Gary has raised substantial funds for Macmillan Cancer Support through various remarkable challenges, including previous 100-day marathon feats in 2017 and 2016. Juggling his running passion with work at the Sellafield nuclear plant, Gary has also undertaken charity ventures like cycling through Brazil, climbing Kilimanjaro, trekking in New Zealand, and a run from Land’s End to John O’Groats.