First half marathon challenge to support WHH Charity

A Warrington man is preparing to take on his first half marathon at the Warrington Running Festival to raise funds for WHH Charity.

Tom Mannion, who works as a warehouse worker at Amazon, will join runners on Sunday 20 September as they take to the streets around Warrington town centre for the festival, which includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K and fun run.

The event starts and finishes at the Town Hall’s iconic Golden Gates, with a road-closed, flat and fast route through the town. For Tom, choosing a local event made the challenge feel like the natural next step in his running journey.

Tom only started running a year ago, but the half marathon will see him complete his longest-ever distance. Taking on the challenge in his own community, surrounded by familiar streets and faces, is something he says will make the achievement feel even more special.

Preparing for the event has not always been easy, particularly after long shifts at work, but Tom says the difference his fundraising could make has helped keep him motivated on the more difficult days.

Speaking about why he chose the Warrington Running Festival, Tom said: “I decided to take it on because it’s local to me, which made it feel like a natural choice for my first half marathon. The idea of completing it on streets in my own community and seeing familiar faces along the route makes it feel that little bit more special.

“Personally, this challenge is a chance to test myself by running my longest-ever distance. It’s an achievement that I hope will highlight how far I’ve come since I started running a year ago.

“There have definitely been times when I’ve felt tired and considered skipping a run, but reminding myself what I’m doing it for and the difference the money raised can make has helped me find the motivation and energy to get out and run.”

Funds raised through Tom’s challenge will support WHH Charity, helping to enhance care, comfort and support for patients, families and staff across North Cheshire and Mersey Trust. Donations to the charity help fund additional equipment, research, improved hospital environments, extra comforts and wellbeing initiatives.

Tom added: “Knowing that donations are used where they can make the greatest impact makes me proud to support the charity through this challenge.”

To support Tom’s fundraising challenge, visit his fundraising page.