Marathon runners boost Fairport charity target

Chorley-based waste container refurbishment firm Fairport Containers is celebrating a further significant boost to its 20th anniversary fundraising goal.

The company has pledged to raise £20,000 for good causes during its celebratory year and now has two candidates confirmed for the 2014 London Marathon.

One of Fairport Containers welders, Lee Swales, and his colleague Max Halsall, have secured sought-after spots in the famous race and will be running to boost fund Fairport Containers’ total in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The firm, headquartered at Market Place, Adlington has handed over a £3,500 cheque to the charity, raised at its gala dinner and grand auction. Also earlier this year, the Fairport team kicked off its charity challenge with a 127-mile sponsored cycle ride for Derian House Children’s Hospice, St Catherine’s Hospice and Cancer Research UK. The total so far stands at more than £14,000.

Fairport Containers’ managing director, Steve Collinson, said: “The lads need to raise a minimum of £2,000 each in sponsorship to enter the London Marathon, which will bring us ever closer to our £20,000 target.

“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.”

This year the ballot for entry to the 2014 London Marathon closed in record time, after just 11 hours. Fairport Containers is planning a number of smaller events between now and the end of its anniversary year, in March, to help reach its £20,000 target.