{"id":212901,"date":"2023-03-14T08:52:17","date_gmt":"2023-03-14T08:52:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.c2c-online.co.uk\/?p=212901"},"modified":"2023-04-11T09:21:58","modified_gmt":"2023-04-11T09:21:58","slug":"c2c-fd-takes-on-first-marathon-in-aid-of-childrens-cancer-charity-gold-geese","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.c2c-online.co.uk\/media-centre\/latest-news\/c2c-fd-takes-on-first-marathon-in-aid-of-childrens-cancer-charity-gold-geese\/","title":{"rendered":"c2c FD takes on first marathon in aid of children\u2019s cancer charity, Gold Geese\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

[14 March 2023] Trenitalia c2c\u2019s Finance Director, Phil Leney (pictured below) is lacing up his running shoes in preparation for his first ever marathon at the London Marathon next month, in aid of Essex children\u2019s cancer charity, Gold Geese.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The charity provides practical and emotional support to families of children and young people fighting cancer in the Southend and Basildon areas, with support ranging from funding for mental health therapy and food shop vouchers to toys, weekend trips away and practical help with travel to and from hospital.<\/span><\/p>\n

Building on c2c\u2019s existing support for the charity – Gold Geese has a <\/span>special \u2018wrapped\u2019 c2c train<\/span><\/a> which has run on the London and south Essex route since September – the challenge started as a very personal one for Phil.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t really start running properly until around six months ago; after playing hockey at a decent level I suffered an injury and had to have knee surgery with a lengthy recovery period. After this I wanted to take on a physical – and mental – challenge. As well as dealing with surgery myself, the last few years have been challenging for people across the industry so I really wanted to commit to something positive to take back control.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m so pleased to have the opportunity to support this fantastic charity as part of this personal challenge; anything we can do to support Gold Geese and the brilliant work they do in our local communities and help raise awareness for the organisation,\u201d he added.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His training plan began in January with three runs per week on average. As we near the event on Sunday 23 April, Phil\u2019s training schedule will peak at around 60 – 70 kilometres per week before tapering in the final weeks in order to be rested for the big day. Throughout the course of his training he\u2019ll clock up close to 500 kilometres.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gold Geese Founder and Trustee, Katie Southgate (pictured below) said, “We\u2019re hugely grateful Phil is taking on the London Marathon for Gold Geese and wish him the best of luck. We receive no government funding and rely on our amazing community to fund our work supporting local families affected by childhood cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAcross the country around 1,900 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, and it causes a huge upheaval for everyone in the family – emotionally, physically and often financially as overnight they become full-time carers. Fundraisers like Phil mean we can be there every step of the way,” she added.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The charity is this year celebrating its five year anniversary, having been set up in 2018 after Katie\u2019s own child was diagnosed with cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you would like to support Phil\u2019s marathon effort, go to Just Giving<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n