After cycling 569 miles in seven days from Hadrian’s Wall to Hastings, instead of having a well-deserved rest, Gary Shaughnessy then went on to run an incredible 260 miles in 10 days. The father-of-three, who lives in Tadley, has raised more than £21,000 for Parkinson’s UK and other charities, pushing his total fundraising efforts to more than £500,000 in nine years. Gary, 58, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014 and is now chair of trustees for Parkinson’s UK, was awarded a CBE for his services to business and charity in the King’s first Birthday Honours List.
Speaking to the after completing his latest challenge on Sunday, June 16 at the Hampshire Hoppit in Kingsclere, Gary said: “It was shattering, I was really tired by the end of it but it was so joyous. Everyone has been so generous and supportive and it really shows the positive side of people.” He added: “My legs were really screaming by the end but I felt so proud.
My son Daniel ran the last one with me and Tadley Runners were all there supporting me. It was quite emotional.” The dad, who used to be chief executive of Zurich’s business in Europe and now chairs the board of the Z Zurich Foundation, was delivered a blow at the start of his marathon mission on June 7 when he tested positive for Covid-19.
However, he was determined to complete his challenge and instead did the first run as a virtual marathon. He went on to complete nine other runs at various locations including in Baughurst, Al.
