Ian Lynch, a member of Victoria Lodge No 4629 and Mersey Valley Group Secretary, had gained a place in the London Marathon after 8 years in the ballot system in 2020. Unfortunately, due to Covid lockdowns this didn’t happen, but he was allowed to defer his place to this year, which seemed significant as it is the year when Ian had reached 50 years of age.
After much deliberation and encouragement, Ian decided to use his place to help raise funds for both the Neonatal and Intensive Care units at Warrington Hospital, for two special reasons. 21 years ago, he and his wife Tracey were looked after by the hospital as their second daughter, Becky, was stillborn. They have never forgotten the amazing support we received by all the staff, helping them through an extremely difficult period in their lives.
More recently, a friend and colleague Wayne Myers, passed away suddenly after a brief and unexpected period of illness. His passing was a huge shock to everyone that knew him, and his family asked that any donations be put towards the ICU at the hospital.
The run itself was an unforgettable, emotional and amazing experience with constant support from the crowds in London from start to finish. It was difficult, as due to work and other commitments his training was not at the level he had planned. However, Ian had previously run a marathon in Edinburgh 2017, so knew what was coming both mentally and physically.
Without the support from all his sponsors and family (particularly his wife Tracey, Ian would not have been able to complete the challenge and he cannot thank all of them enough as it was thoughts of their support for the charities that drove him on, particularly after crossing the halfway point at Tower Bridge where cramps began to set in at various stages. Hearing Tracey screaming his name as he trotted down Birdcage Walk just before The Mall, gave him an excuse to go get a hug and stretch out some cramps before dragging himself down to the finish line and blessed relief that he had done it.
Ian’s fundraiser had raised a total of £2,312.50, which included a Gift Aid supplement. After collecting his finishers medal and having the obligatory photo, it was a short waddle to the hotel for an Epsom salts hot bath, before struggling around to a local restaurant for some much-needed dinner.
As stated earlier, it was an emotional experience, but the support received made it all worthwhile. Supporters were asked to state whether their donation should go to ICU or Neonatal. Many stipulated this, whilst others where happy for it to be split either way. This meant an overall even split of funds between the two units. Ian gave huge heartfelt and sincere thank you to everybody who donated and wished him well in fundraising for these worthy causes.