Fairport runners warm up for marathon challenge

Fairport Containers’ London marathon team is in the final stages of training for the iconic race on April 13.

Lee Swales, 32 from Coppull, and Max Halsall, 32 from Leyland, will be taking part in their first ever marathon in aid of a cause close to their hearts.

Adlington-based waste container refurbishment firm, Fairport Containers, is coming to the end of its 20th anniversary year celebrations and it is hoped the funds raised by its marathon team for Cancer Research UK will take the business past its £20,000 fundraising target for the year.

Welder Lee, who has worked at the firm on Market Place for 11 years, explained why he and lifelong friend Max were keen to get involved.

“Our boss asked if anyone would be interested in running the London Marathon for Cancer Research UK and it is something that Max and I had always talked about doing when we were younger, before we had kids,” he said.

“Both my mum and Max’s nan passed away from cancer, so the charity couldn’t be a better one for us personally and we want to do the very best we can for them.”

The pair began training in October with 10-mile runs and are now running at least 18 miles each time, around Lancashire. They have also been given free access to Wing Tchun Martial Arts Fitness gym in Chorley, so they can train in bad weather, and are hoping to complete the 26.2-mile race in less than four hours.

Former Marine Max commented: “We had applied before for the marathon and been turned down, and to be honest I didn’t expect we would get a place this time, as so many people want to take part. I thought Lee was joking when he said we’d got in, I couldn’t believe how lucky we were.

“When I left the Marines in 2008 I swore I’d never run again, but there was no way I could turn this down. It is hard going out training after a full day’s work, but it will be worth it to cross that finish line and see the total we have raised.”

Fairport Containers’ managing director, Steve Collinson, added: “We are hugely proud that Lee and Max have secured a place in this fantastic event. Places are highly sought after, with more than 100,000 people applying to take part every year, and just one third of these receiving a place. We are sure they will do us, and Cancer Research UK, proud.”

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

Jenny Murgatroyd local fundraising manager, said: “We are thrilled that both Max and Lee will be taking part in the London Marathon for us in April and with the support of Fairport Containers are continuing to raise funds to help us in the fight against cancer.

“The charity supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of more than 4000 scientists, doctors and nurses and we wish them the best of luck with their challenge.”

To sponsor Lee and Max go to www.justgiving.com/maxandlee.

This year the ballot for entry to the 2014 London Marathon closed in record time, after just 11 hours. Fairport Containers is the UK’s leading provider of large commercial waste container refurbishment, remodelling, sales and hire. The firm has already raised more than £14,500 for charity during its anniversary year, through a range of events.