26th February 2010
A dedicated volunteer, who was inspired to help life-threatened children and their families after taking part in the London Marathon four years ago, is set to run in the event again this year.
Greg Few, of Somersham, who works at Napp Pharmaceutrical Group based at Cambridge Science Park, has been volunteering for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) in Milton since 2006 and hopes his marathon run on April 25 will not only raise funds but also raise the charity’s profile across Cambridgeshire.
Greg said:"I was so moved by my experience of the 2006 London Marathon that I wanted to help a local charity which is why I got in touch with EACH.
"I help out at sibling days and parent bereavement groups and I also help with fundraising events including the Santa Run and the Dragon Boat Festival. I find it very rewarding, and at the same time it makes me realise just how lucky I am to have two happy, healthy children.
"EACH is such an amazing charity which supports life-threatened children and their families who often have no-one else to turn to. I hope that by running the marathon I can raise some much-needed funds and the charity’s profile across Cambridgeshire."
EACH provides care and support for life-threatened children and their families in their own homes, as well as at the charity’s hospices based at Ipswich in Suffolk, which also serves North Essex, Quidenham in Norfolk and Milton in Cambridgeshire.
EACH is a registered charity that relies upon public support for the majority of its required income of about £5.8 million.
On the big day, Greg will be cheered on by his family and friends including his wife, Sarah, and two children Olivia, 15, and Stuart, 18, and he is confident he can raise his £1,000 target which his employers, Napp Pharmaceutrical Group, have agreed to match.
Greg ran his last marathon in 5 hrs 5mins, and this year he hopes to break the 5 hour barrier.
Clare Bates, EACH volunteer co-ordinator, said: "At EACH we really value all our volunteers but Greg is what I call a ‘gem of a volunteer’. He is reliable, positive and passionate about EACH.
"The Sibling groups would not run without volunteers and Greg is so great with the children, ensuring they have a safe and fun day. Greg has also helped at EACH fundraising events, and remains positive while standing out in the rain and wind manning stalls or marshalling at our Santa Runs.
"We wish Greg the very best of luck in the London Marathon and thank him for running for EACH."
