Darren Runs 10 Events in Memory of Inspirational Mum

To mark the 10th year since the sad death of his mother in 2009 after a 15-year battle with breast cancer, Darren Garman is setting himself the target of running 10 events to help ensure the legacy his mum left behind continues.

Shirley Garman founded the Wiltshire Breakthrough Breast Cancer group, now renamed Breast Cancer Now, while undergoing treatment herself in 1995. She set a fundraising target of £1million pounds which Darren hopes will be achieved this year.

Darren, who lives in Bristol, has only been running for a few years but has already taken part in lots of events from 10k up to full marathons. This year, however, he has decided to give his running a charity focus and himself a fundraising challenge.

Darren said “I have decided to dedicate 10 events this year to the memory of my mum to mark her 10th anniversary and hopefully to celebrate Breast Cancer Now achieving the £1 million target in her name”.

Darren’s events are:

• Bath Half Marathon
• Swindon Mad March Hare 10k
• Frenchay 10k
• Bristol 10k
• Clevedon 10k
• Thornbury 10k
• Savernake 10k
• Bristol Half Marathon
• Swindon Half Marathon
• Weston Christmas Cracker 10k

Darren added “the Savernake run on 13th July will be quite special. Savernake Forest was one of my mum’s favourite places and her ashes are scattered there. I have also organised a family gathering around the event and Shirley’s sisters Deb and Maureen will be there along with her nieces, nephews and grandchildren. We will be using the weekend to celebrate and remember Shirley. Lots of the family, including some of its youngest members will be joining me on the day to run 10k or 3k. It’s also the 20th anniversary of the passing of my Nan (Joan Hughes), Shirley’s mum so we will also be remembering her. "

The Mad March Hare was co-founded by Shirley, along with her husband Ralph (Darren’s dad) and friend Irene Hare who sadly passed away in 2008. Darren, and his partner Claire and her kids Charlie and Maisy, will be taking part in the event on 24th March which starts at Lydiard Park Academy. The event has grown over the years with a 5k route or 10k route available to walkers, joggers and keen runners. There is also a ‘virtual run’ means anyone can sign up to the event from around the world. Darren's daughter Hazel ran the very first Mad March Hare in 2008, with him as a child and will be taking part virtually this year from Italy.

Darren said “my mum was a huge inspiration for lots of people and her friends have continued to work tirelessly towards raising the £1 million over the years since her death. I am really looking forward to the 10 events and I am excited about helping the group reach their target. I am grateful to those who will support me along the way and contribute to such a vital cause.”

To donate to Darren please visit http://www.justgiving.com/darrengarman?utm_id=121

To take part in the Mad March Hare event on 24th March or volunteer at the event please log on to http://www.madmarchhare.org.uk/, email at [email protected] or call 0845 6808064.