A MAN originally from St Asaph ran the Manchester Marathon and raised more than £1,300 for a charity in his home city in doing so.

Sam Evans completed the 26.2-mile run, the UK’s second-largest marathon event, on Sunday, October 10 in aid of St Kentigern Hospice, a St Asaph-based charity providing care and support for patients with any life-limiting condition and their families.

Sam, who now lives in Poynton, Cheshire, also beat his target time of three hours and 45 minutes, passing the finish line after 3:41:15.

Sam, 36, said: “During one of last year’s lockdowns, when running was the most exciting thing that happened to me on most days, I decided to run a marathon.

“I’ve run a few half-marathons and shorter events over the years, and thought now was as good a time as any to try 26.2 miles. Little did I know the training and pain of race day that I was letting myself in for!

“At the same time, I thought running a marathon would be a great opportunity to raise money for charity. I was born in St Asaph and spent most of the next 25 years living on the family farm just a few miles away.

“I knew from how my grandma was looked after when she was ill, and from the experiences of others, about the amazing work that St Kentigern does to meet the needs of people in the hardest of times.

“The last 18 months have brought even more challenges, with hospices operating under even more difficult circumstances than usual.

“I know that the generous donations of those who have sponsored me will help the hospice continue their work and want to thank all of those who helped me raise over £1,300 for this valuable cause.”

To find out more about St Kentigern’s work, visit their website at: www.stkentigernhospice.org.uk.

You can also still donate to Sam’s fund at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sam-evans-mcr-21.