That’s five marathons down now just 51 to go

Hemel Hempstead police officer Martin Anderson is doing 56 marathons in 56 weeks in memory of his mum and in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care.

A police officer who has pledged to run 56 marathons in 56 weeks in memory of his mother has completed his fifth gruelling run.

PC Martin Anderson, who works on the frontline in Dacorum responding to 999 calls, took part in the Milton Keynes Marathon on Bank Holiday Monday.

He completed the 26.2-mile  run in a personal best time of 4hours 37 minutes.

“I’m hoping this is the start of everything clicking into place because it was such a different run to all the previous ones,” said Martin. “I felt so much better and stronger.”

PC Martin Anderson hsa completed the Milton Keynes Marathon on Bank Holiday Monday.

He is raising funds for Rennie Grove Hospice Care, whose nurses helped fulfil Martin’s mother’s wish to die at home.

Sylvia Blake passed away in April 2013 after a battle with gall bladder cancer.

Martin, who hopes his year of marathons will bring in £10,000 for the good cause, now has 51 marathons to go and he will complete the challenge in April 2016 on the three-year anniversary of his mother’s passing.

The 35-year-old police officer, who has been training with Hemel Hempstead’s Gade Valley Harriers, is completing a combination of commercial marathons and runs plotted out by himself. He hopes to attract corporate sponsorship to help cover the cost of entering the runs.

PC Martin Anderson with his mum Sylvia Blake.

Hospice director of fundraising Gillian Barnett said: “Martin’s commitment to fundraising is so inspiring. Support like this is hugely  important so that we can continue to provide our services for other local families, and I wish him the best of luck.”

To get in touch and to follow his story search ‘Marathons For Mum 2015’ on Facebook and sponsor him at www.justgiving.com/marathonsformum2015