Lee Gorton, depot principal at Aaron Logistics (D15), recently took on the biggest challenge of his life.
On Sunday, April 24, Lee ran the Virgin London Marathon 2016 to raise money for The Robert and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital in Gobowen.
Lee maintained a relentless training schedule, which included a half-marathon and daily training, from the start of the year up to the race, fitting his daily training in around running Aaron Logistics and doing a big run each Sunday. On February 28, at the midway point of his training, he took part in a half marathon at Oulton Park, which he completed in just two hours and 21 minutes.
Lee ran the Virgin London Marathon in memory of his youngest son Matthew’s best friend, Charlie Davis, who suffered from muscular dystrophy and passed away in May 2015 at just 15-years-old.
Lee managed to complete the marathon in an amazing 5 hours and 22 minutes, despite complications with his back 21 miles into the marathon which meant he had to stop for treatment before battling on for the last five miles.
With the help of generous supporters, he managed to raise a staggering £3,300 for his chosen charity.
"The highlight of the marathon was definitely the part of the run along Tower Bridge. It brought back some great memories of my late Uncle Peter, who had a huge influence on my life and career path."
Lee commented: “I loved every minute of the marathon. It was extremely hard-going, there’s no denying that – both the training and the actual marathon. The highlight of the marathon was definitely the part of the run along Tower Bridge. It brought back some great memories of my late Uncle Peter, who had a huge influence on my life and career path.
“It’s even better knowing that I’ve raised such a huge amount of money for a great charity in Charlie’s memory. He never let his muscular dystrophy slow him down or get the better of him, and always had a cheery smile on his face. It’s always difficult to lose somebody so young, but it’s especially difficult to lose someone who was such a bright spark in the community.
“I was so proud of how well the community pulled together to give Charlie one of the best send-offs that anybody could ask for. It really proved the strength of the Wrexham community, and honoured Charlie in the way he deserved.”
Lee already has his sight on his next challenge, and has entered the Paris Marathon for April 2017.