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Sat here thinking “How on earth have the sequence of events in this crazy thing called “life “unfolded to this point, to be writing to feature in an article by one the UK’s leading running event organisers”

On the Wirral & recently in Liverpool, we have a charity called Claire House Children’s Hospice.

We met Matt at the Wirral FORE Business Christmas golf day last year, the team were collecting Christmas presents for the children we support and raising funds for Claire House. We told the group a little bit about what we do at Claire House and how we support seriously ill children, young people and their families. Matt contacted us just days after and told us that we wanted to do more to help and that he was setting himself a mammoth challenge to run 11 half marathons and 1 triathlons in one year! He has already smashed his £1,000 fundraising target – his current total stands at a whopping £2,525 which could fund more than 5 days of around the clock 1:1 specialist nursing care for a child staying at Claire House. Matt is inspiring people to get their trainers on and get running, and he should be so proud of everything he’s achieved to help local children and their families going through the most difficult of times. We’re in incredibly grateful for his amazing support at Claire House – well done Matt!”

– Jessica Campbell, Partnerships Manager at Claire House Hospice.

The members of staff devote their lives to helping terminally ill children.

Back in 2019 during a golf competition organised by a talented chap called Jamie Lloyd he said “would anyone be up for a golf day in December dressed as SUPERHERO’s, we can raise some money for Claire House, obviously we will need to clear it with the golf club because it’s so random”

At the time, the members (all men) were more excited about walking around the golf course in bright coloured skintight lycra..(Corrrr blimey).

December arrived, donned in full outfits we met Jess Campbell, she gave a short 10 min presentation about what some of the staff do at Claire House, it was Xmas time & staff were working around the clock to help families spend as best time as possible in the hospice. I felt myself welling up as did most of the other members.

This was the moment something inside triggered, inspired me to do more to help.

Jan 2020, I set up a just giving page called Matt’s 11 half marathons and 1 triathlon, running for the kids. 

A target of £1000.00 was set, this was smashed in the first couple of months by the outstanding sponsors, currently at £2500.00, pushing for £3000.00 for Dec 2020.

Since then each month I have done a HALF MARATHON challenge, ran 7 to date:Runner Feature - Matt Tomlinson RunThrough Running Club London

Jan – Helsby HM

Feb – Aintree HM

March – Oulton Park HM

April – Sanlam Coast HM (virtual)

May – Crystal Palace HM (virtual)

June – Leeds HM (virtual)

July – Victoria Park HM (virtual)

30th August 2020 – West Lancashire triathlon (Booked) wish me luck

“Global Pandemic or no pandemic if you want to do something and you truly believe you can, you will”

THANK YOU TO ALL THE STAFF AT CLAIRE HOUSE & ALL MY SPONSORS, YOU TRULY INSPIRE ME.

Matt Tomlinson (Wirral) age 41. XX


You can support Matt’s fundraising here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/runningforthechildren2020

To find out how you can get involved and support Claire House visit: https://www.clairehouse.org.uk/