Local land director raises over £1,200 for Derian House doing the Great North Run

Paul Darwin, land director for Anwyl Homes Lancashire, completed the Great North Run in aid of Derian House.

A Lancashire land director has raised more than £1,200 for Derian House Children’s Hospice.

Paul Darwin, the director at Anwyl Homes, completed the Great North Run in aid of the Chorley-based charity.

He raised the funds with the help of friends, family, colleagues and suppliers, as well as a donation from Anwyl Homes.

Paul said: “I’d always wanted to do the Great North Run and having turned 40 this year wanted to challenge myself while also raising money for a good cause.

“Anwyl Homes Lancashire have supported Derian House for a number of years, and as I have kids of my own, it felt special taking on another challenge for Derian who does such good work for so many children and families across the North West.

“It certainly helped with my motivation knowing I was raising money for Derian House.”

The homebuilder has a long-standing relationship with the charity. Last year, three of Paul’s colleagues, one wearing a hard hat and safety boots, took part in the run for Derian House.

Paul managed to complete the 13.1 mile half-marathon, despite having suffered from a hamstring injury in May.

He added: “It was my first half marathon and my training hadn’t exactly gone to plan after having a frustrating 13 weeks off over the summer with a hamstring injury.

“I just wanted to get over the finishing line but completed the run in two hours and four minutes, which was well ahead of where I expected based on my training runs. I absolutely loved it.

“The crowd and the atmosphere definitely made a difference. Despite the poor weather, the route was lined with spectators cheering people on, offering sweets or fruit and holding funny signs of encouragement.”

Derian House only receives a small amount of funding from the government, despite it costing around £6 million to run the hospice per year. They rely on supporters such as Paul.

Kerry Salmon, community fundraiser at Derian House, said: “We are so grateful to Paul for stepping up to raise money so that we can continue to do what we do for children and young people, at this year’s Great North Run.

“We can’t thank the Anwyl team enough for their outstanding efforts – they’re really helping to make a difference to our families who receive free care at Derian House Children’s Hospice.”

To add to Paul’s total, you can donate through GoFundMe.

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