by John Prince
After eight months and 411 miles, Hornsea’s marathon man Mark Williamson has finally completed his epic fundraising challenge.
In January, Mark set out to run six ultra marathons in a year to mark 50 years of CM Allott and Son Funeral Directors in Hornsea where he works.
It was also in aid of 12 charities affected by the horrific crimes committed by Robert Bush at the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull.
Bush was jailed for 20 years in July for 67 shocking offences that included the theft of thousands of pounds in charitable donations collected from grieving families.
Being a funeral director himself, the Legacy case was something Mark felt he needed to do something positive about, so set his sights on raising money for the charities that Bush had stolen from.
He said: “It was to give that little bit back to the charities that have been cruelly denied, and they have been very appreciative.
“I know I’ve got the applause for doing the running but I’ve had loads of support – all the people who donated, the people who have helped crew through the night on dark nights and my wife Clair who was out on a run at the weekend with the tea ready.
“It’s been a real team effort.
“I always find it difficult to ask people to sponsor me. A marathon is a challenge in itself, and lots of people run marathons. But when you’re doing more than one, to go back and ask people to sponsor you again, you’ve got to up the ante.
“I just can’t thank everybody enough – those people who have donated, followed me on the runs on the tracker and all the messages of support.
“There was a couple who donated at a funeral, and I met a man from the RNLI in Whitby who was raising money. I had a chat and photograph with him and I don’t even know his name.
“That’s the people involved in the charity you’re helping out. It was good.”
The Hardmoors races that Mark took part in ranged from 30 to 200 miles long, with the last being a 60-miler from Guisborough to Filey, going through Saltburn, Whitby, Runswick Bay and Scarborough along the Cleveland Way.
In total Mark has raised £3,220 for a dozen charities including Oakwood Dog Rescue, Dogs Trust, the Salvation Army, Help for Heroes, Dove House Hospice and Hull Health Stars.
He’s also raised hundreds for WISHH, CHIEF, the Sailors Children’s Society and Hull Fishing Heritage.
The last run was for the RNLI and Macmillan Cancer Support, which so far has raised £810.
Colleague Tom Allott (above, with Mark) has supported Mark from day one by logging his progress and raising awareness of the mammoth challenge on social media.
Tom said: “Mark came up with this idea and we thought we’ve got to do this, especially with what happened in Hull. Someone had to do something.
“We can’t do much about what Bush has done, but we’re dealing with charities every day and all of them are very worthy to run for.
“It was a no-brainer, so Mark with all his brains went and did it!
“I’m just really thankful for everyone that’s supported Mark, and to Mark himself. Thank you to everyone that’s donated.
“Hopefully, it will do a world of good for the charities.”
Mark added: “I’m quite sad it’s over because I’ve got no more runs.
“Without Tom in the background, sitting there quietly in the corner, putting it all out there for people to actually see what’s going on, it wouldn’t have taken off. I do enjoy it. Maybe I’ll do the Brathay 10in10 next which is 10 marathons over 10 days. That would be a nice challenge.”
More details about Mark’s run can be found at givewheel.com/company/cm-allott-and-son-ltd where you can still donate.