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Marathon challenge for Chorley firm Fairport Containers

Chorley-based waste container services firm, Fairport Containers, is entering a team in the London Marathon for the second year running.

Fairport group director, David Porter, is preparing for his first ever marathon, joined by welder Lee Swales who ran the iconic race for Fairport in 2014.

The firm will once again be raising money for Cancer Research UK. It was offered two guaranteed places for the world-famous marathon after the firm’s runners raised more than £8,500 in sponsorship for the charity last year.

This year they are hoping to beat that total and raise at least £10,000.

David, 33, from Croston, said the pressure was on to do well for the charity.

“We are running to support such a good cause and it’s a big responsibility to raise as much as we possibly can,” he said.

“Cancer is something that has touched so many people and my own family is no exception. This will be my first ever marathon so I’m really feeling the pressure to do well.”

With three young children at home, David has been training in the early hours or late in the evening to fit around family life.

“Sometimes it’s hard to get motivated to run in the dark and the cold but it has to be done. The furthest I have run before in one go was about 13 miles in the Tough Mudder race last year. I really enjoyed that, but the marathon will be a very different challenge and I am feeling a bit nervous as well as excited,” he said.

Coppull resident Lee, 33, has worked at Fairport Containers for 12 years. He will be running in memory of his mum, who died of cancer, and is hoping to beat his time for last year’s marathon by at least 15 minutes.

“It was an amazing experience to run my first ever marathon last year and we were overwhelmed by how generous everyone was with their donations,” said Lee.

“I have kept up my training throughout the year, riding my bike to work and going on runs four or five times a week. I am hoping my training, combined with having the knowledge I’ve gained from last year’s race, will help me finish in well under four hours.

“Lots of people we know will be there to support us and we are both hoping we will smash last year’s fundraising amount!”

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding, relying entirely on the generosity of supporters.

Natasha Patel, local fundraising manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “I am extremely grateful to David and Lee for all of their time and effort invested into preparing for this gruelling event in aid of Cancer Research UK.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to Fairport Containers for choosing to support the charity. Without this generosity we simply couldn’t carry out our research to beat over 200 types of cancer, which is helping to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

“Funds raised through supporters like Fairport Containers and their customers is crucial to the work of doctors, nurses and scientists who work day and night to fight cancer on all fronts.”

To sponsor Fairport Containers’ team go to www.justgiving.com/DavidandLee.

The ballot for entry to the 2015 London Marathon closed in record time, in less than 10 hours, as thousands of people hoped to get a place to run the 26.2 mile course through the capital. This year’s race takes place on 26th April.

Fairport Containers, based on Market Street, Adlington, is the UK’s leading provider of large commercial waste container refurbishment, remodelling, sales and hire. During 2013-14 the firm raised more than £23,000 for charity in celebration of its 20th anniversary year.

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