Local Chief Executives undertake marathon mission for YMCA Humber

A pair of local Chief Executives are undertaking a marathon mission to raise funds for the region’s oldest youth charity.

Rob Walsh, Chief Executive of North East Lincolnshire Council and Malcolm Smith, Chief Executive of YMCA Humber are already in training for next year’s London Marathon, which takes place in the capital on Sunday 24 April 2017.

The avid runners will be swapping the meeting room for the streets of London as they tackle the 26-plus mile course to raise funds for YMCA Humber.

For Rob this is his first time running the famous race, although the local community will be well aware of his exploits for other local charities.

Malcolm returns just 12 months after fulfilling a boyhood dream of fulfilling the marathon and he also has the challenge of the Paris Marathon looming on the horizon, just two weeks after the London date.

YMCA Humber are delighted to have Rob on board to support their charity through the 2017 London Marathon and they are looking to the local community to get behind the cause.

Malcolm said: “I have known Rob as an excellent runner and, once he was on board with the London Marathon, I knew that I had to step up to the challenge too!

“It is fantastic for our charity to have such a renowned local figure as Rob running the marathon to raise money for us.

“The challenge is a daunting one but it is nothing compared to the journey that some of the young people we encounter in our housing projects have to go through.

“The money we raise will play a major part in transforming their lives in a positive manner.”

And YMCA Humber are looking forward to having a team full of local runners taking part in the 2017 event.

Malcolm continued: “It’s great news for YMCA that so many people feel inspired to take up the challenge for a local charity.

“Taking part in the London Marathon is no easy feat but by running for YMCA, there will be even more motivation to get over the line, knowing that what you are doing is directly improving the life chances of young people in your community at home.

“It’s still not too late to get involved either; if you were unsuccessful in the ballot, please get in touch with our Events and Marketing department to enquire about any opportunities that may arise.”

Rob added: “I am delighted to be able to run in support of YMCA Humber, seeking to raise funds for a very good cause with some direct local benefits”

YMCA Humber is part of the wider YMCA Federation that supports almost 230,000 young people across the UK every year.

For more information on running for YMCA Humber, call Jonathan Byrne, Events and Marketing Lead on 01472 359 621.

To donate to Rob or Malcolm, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/ymcaeng.