A seasoned fundraiser is on track to reach his goal of raising £1 million for charity by successfully completing 100 marathons in 100 days to support 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. Popularly 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.
Assisted by fellow charity icon Kevin Sinfield, who raised significant funds for MND research in memory of his late friend Rob Burrow, Gary battled through the challenging marathon conditions with the relentless sun overhead. Finishing the marathon hand in hand with his son was a deeply emotional moment for him. Expressing his gratitude, Gary mentioned how people found their efforts inspiring during the course, with even Sir Mo Farah acknowledging the significance of his 100th day milestone.
The 56-year-old, employed at Sellafield, commenced his fundraising endeavor in January, with Beau accompanying him on portions of each 26.2-mile route on a daily basis. Gary’s target is to raise £100,000 from this initiative, adding to his cumulative contributions for the hospice, totaling £1 million.
Hayley McKay from the charity emphasized that McKee’s support would have a lasting impact on their ability to care for individuals in need, not only through the financial support but also by raising awareness. She traveled to London to witness Gary’s completion of Sunday’s run, describing the moment as truly emotional and fantastic.
Reflecting on his past achievements, Gary shared how his determination stemmed from honoring his late father, Victor, who battled lung cancer. Over the years, Gary’s fundraising efforts for Macmillan Cancer Support have been substantial, including previous challenges like running 100 marathons in 100 days in 2017, raising £120,000. His dedication to charity work persists, fueled by his father’s legacy and the exceptional care provided by Macmillan nurses.
Balancing his running pursuits with his work at Sellafield nuclear plant, Gary’s philanthropic endeavors have taken him on various challenging adventures, from cycling through Brazil to climbing Kilimanjaro, trekking in New Zealand, and running from Land’s End to John O’Groats.