CRAIG’S BLOG: New year, new challenge

Craig Goldsworthy has set himself a New Year’s challenge to run every single day in 2023, raising funds for St Catherine’s Hospice in memory of his childhood friend Michelle (pictured above with her family), who was cared for by our charity at her home in Leyland.

In this blog, he talks about his very first run of the year, setting off from the grounds of St Catherine’s with Michelle’s husband Lee.

Day 1 of 365 days of running and before you think to yourself ‘What! You’re writing 365 blog posts?’ Don’t worry, this is just the new year blog. I’ll be updating this once every couple of months, which will include photos of people, places and maybe the odd video here and there too. If you’ve read the first post, then you’ll be aware of why I’m doing it, if you missed it you can read it here.

I had the priviledge of knowing this kind, caring and beautifully spirited lady since the age of six, and when you know someone who has the ability to light up a room, it’s hard when that light goes out, especially for those closest – and Michelle had a close family and many amazing friends. However, running is my passion and I’m using that to help St Catherine’s raise some money to continue their provision of care. Who knows, it might just brighten some dark days too.

Lee and I met at St Catherine’s, along with our families, who cheered us off. As it was a Sunday, the route was a 4 mile loop of Farington. (Monday – Saturday are limited to 3 miles and Sundays up to 6). The roads were relatively quiet, so we were able to have some good conversations. This run was one of many that Lee and I will do together and I look forward to each and every one.

I am overwhelmed with how generous people are, even at the moment with what’s happening in the world. Prior to the start of 365 I had reached my target, by lunch time this had doubled and now, as I’m writing this, it’s surpassed 300%! There’s still 364 days to go, although my JustGiving page expires in November. If you would like to donate, please click here.

That’s it for now, but look out for the next post at the end of February. If you’d like to get involved by joining me on a run, please contact the hospice’s communications team who will put us in touch (communications@stcatherines.uat-web.co.uk). If you’d prefer to run in a group, you can join me at Preston Parkrun on 1st July and 30th December, subject to weather conditions. All I ask for is a donation (no minimum amount) to help this incredible charity.

Thank you for reading.

• If you would like to donate or write a message of encouragement to Craig, please click here

Craig is a 47-year-old apprenticeships tutor from Leyland. He lives with his wife Helen and daughters Molly and Evie. His friend Michelle Walker lived in Leyland with her husband Lee and daughters Ava and Ella, and worked as an admin assistant at Progress Housing Group. She was cared for by St Catherine’s at home following a diagnosis of bowel cancer. 

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