CRAIG’S BLOG: The last leg

Craig Goldsworthy has completed an incredible challenge to run every single day in 2023 to raise funds for St Catherine’s in memory of his friend Michelle, who was cared for by our community nursing team at her home.

– You can sponsor Craig’s fantastic efforts here

…and that’s a wrap!

Well, what can I say? My wedding day and the birth of my children are the most important and significant moments in my life, but in terms of discovery and learning – much about others, as well as my own – this year tops the lot!

From the deepest reaches of my heart I thank everyone, who either donated and/or gave up their time to spend it with me. Whether for a 3-mile run and chat, a 6-mile longer run and longer chat, or joining us on our fundraiser back in October. Thank you – I have enjoyed every bit, learning about your experiences and challenges and I really hope 2024 has good plans for you all.

The final four weeks

No month has been more important than any other, however this one was special, as it featured some of those closest to Michelle. During the latter stages of 2022, when I was planning this challenge, I had a little voice asking me if I should be doing this; as I hadn’t spoken to Michelle in a while. After talking it over with her husband Lee (my initial idea and every decision thereafter) I knew it was the right thing to do.

Starting with my brother-in-law, John Hunter on week 49 and with a sore Achilles tendon, managed to join me on a 3 mile route around the Langdale estate. It was the annual St Catherine’s Santa Dash on that week too, so Lee and Matt donned their Santa outfits and we inhaled beard for 24 minutes around Preston Docks!

Week 50 was the turn of Michelle’s best friend, Debbie Jones-Randall and she opted for a cold and dark, early morning run over to Moss Side and along the River Lostock. On this week, I was also joined by Russell Hodges, a local builder and family friend, who challenged me with his pace on a 3 mile out and back route, up to the Green Man at Buckshaw. Sarah Gradwell and Lisa Chapman came out with me too, the respective nurse and pharmacist joined me on another Langdale route; weaving in and out of the rabbit warren’s paths and ginnels.

Finally, on this week my colleague, Kirsty Watson drove us over to Hesketh Park in Southport to run the local Parkrun. Kirsty had also challenged herself to run every day in 2023 and succeeded, whilst incorporating a marathon and a half marathon into her calendar!

Week 51 was the turn of Mr Monday morning, Matthew Waring. Without fail this guy joined Lee and I every week, even during his training regime for an Iron Man triathlon event. Matt and Lee became friends through their children, as they went to the same school and they’ve been friends since, being a constant support for Lee during the toughest year of his life has been essential.

This leads nicely into week 52, which was Lee’s week from day 1. If you’ve been following my progress over the year, you’ll know that Lee has run with me, alongside Matt and Mark every Monday at 6.15am, prior to walking his black lab, getting his children ready for school and then himself ready for work. I received some heartfelt comments upon completing my challenge, but Lee is the true inspiration, not me.

Highlights

Looking back over the year I can honestly say I have enjoyed every single run, every single day. If you’re going to raise money, do it by doing something you love, otherwise you’ll risk failure. There have been various highlights throughout the year, such as running with my children, running with my nephew on a cruise ship in Norway, learning about every individual runner/walker, our fundraiser and the final run gathering on New Year’s Eve, with those that were able to make it.

I would like to give special mentions to some people for different reasons and if they are reading this, they know why. They are: Oakwell Garage, Caroline Dillon, Michelle Clapham, David Riding, Christine Adams, Mr & Mrs Perry, Kara and Stuart Wood, Kath Hardman, Linda Simpson, Andrew and Mandy, Geoff and Logan Wrennall and Happy Bunnies.

Most of all thank you to each and every person who took the time to donate to this amazing charity and my family for putting up with me. Together, you have raised over £8,500 – plus one very kind individual taking the total up to £10,000!

Final thought

Whatever your goals for are 2024, think carefully if it’s something you can reach, with challenges that help you to grow and learn. If any of my blogs/weekly round-ups on Facebook have inspired at least one person to get the job done, then we have succeeded. There’s always people who’ll support you, you just need to invite them. All the best for the future!

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