Fairport fundraisers celebrate achievement

A team of London Marathon runners from Chorley firm Fairport Containers are celebrating raising almost £11,000 for Cancer Research UK.

It is the second year running that the waste container services firm has entered a team in the iconic race, raising a fantastic total for its chosen charity.

Fairport group director, David Porter, completed his first ever marathon, joined by welder Lee Swales who ran the iconic race for Fairport in 2014. Between them the pair raised £10,802 for charity, including Gift Aid.

“It really was tough as I suffered from very bad cramps, but the crowd was fantastic and spurred me on. It was an amazing feeling crossing the finish line,” David, 33, from Croston said.

“It was a big personal challenge for me, especially with fitting in training around work and spending time with my wife and three young children at home, and I’m so pleased to have completed the course.

“We’re delighted to have raised such a fantastic sum for charity and we’d all like to thank everyone who donated. From friends and family, to suppliers and customers, as well as members of the public, you all did us proud.”

Lee, aged 33 from Coppull, explained he was able to take in more of the experience as he completed the marathon for the second time.

“Not only was I more familiar with the format and what was going on, but we had better weather conditions this year so I found it a lot easier and managed to get within my target time of four hours,” he said.

“I’d like to thank my training partners Max Halsall, who ran the marathon for Fairport with me last year, and Eddie Forshaw, as well as everyone who made such generous donations.”

Lee, who has worked at Fairport Containers for 12 years, was running in memory of his mum, who died of cancer.

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding, relying entirely on the generosity of supporters.

Natasha Patel, local fundraising manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “On behalf of everyone at Cancer Research UK we are extremely grateful to David and Lee for running the London Marathon in aid of Cancer Research UK. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has fundraised towards their impressive total so far.

“All funds raised will go towards our vital research to beat over 200 types of cancer, helping to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

“Sadly 1 in 2 people are now being diagnosed with cancer so funds raised through supporters like Fairport Containers are crucial to the work of doctors, nurses and scientists who work day and night to fight cancer on all fronts.” Fairport Containers is the UK’s leading provider of large commercial waste container and recycling bank refurbishment, remodelling, sales and hire. During 2013-14 the firm raised more than £23,000 for charity in celebration of its 20th anniversary year.