NLTG's Carl Morris completes London Marathon in aid of Milly's Smiles charity

North Lancs Training Group CIC (NLTG) JCP provision manager, Carl Morris, completed the 2025 London Marathon, raising more than £1,600 for children’s cancer support charity Milly’s Smiles.

Crossing the finish line in 4 hours, 30 minutes and 9 seconds, Carl took on the 26.2-mile challenge in memory of 11-year-old Milly, who sadly lost her battle with leukaemia a decade ago.

Her legacy lives on through Milly’s Smiles, a charity founded by her mother, Lorraine, to support families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. Milly’s Smiles is one of NLTG’s chosen charities this year.

Carl’s fundraising target was £500, but he has surpassed that, with £1,625 having been donated so far. Further donations can be made here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/carl-morris-3

Training for the marathon by running through the streets of Great Harwood and surrounding areas, Carl is also co-event director of Hyndburn parkrun and parkwalk.

Held every Saturday at Wilsons Playing Fields in Clayton-le-Moors at 9am, the free event welcomes runners and walkers of all abilities.

Carl said: “This was my fourth marathon, but the London experience was truly something special.

"The noise from the crowds was unbelievable – there was a real sense of the best of humankind. It’s a day I’ll never forget, even with the heat!”

Milly’s Smiles provides “Milly Bags” to every child and family newly diagnosed with cancer and admitted to specialist children’s wards across the UK.

These bags contain essential items that bring comfort and support the families. Children’s hospitals receiving the Milly Bags include Manchester, Alder Hey, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle and Oxford.

For more information about Milly’s Smiles, visit: https://www.millyssmiles.org/

You can learn more about NLTG and their apprenticeships, study programmes, traineeships, commercial short courses and courses for Job Seekers by visiting www.nltg.co.uk or by calling 01254 395 355.