Morris Lubricants Customer Service Manager Joe Shepherd is following in his mum’s footsteps in preparing to tackle the Virgin Money London Marathon on October 3.
It will be the first time that Joe, 38, who works for leading independent lubricant, oil and grease manufacturer and distributor Morris Lubricants in Shrewsbury, has run a marathon and he is raising money for Children with Cancer UK.
The longest distance he has covered to date is 20 miles which he managed comfortably, but the arrival of son Alex three weeks ago has curtailed his running and sleeping time!
“I am hoping the atmosphere on the day and people cheering me on will get me over the finish line,” said Joe, who lives at Monkmoor, Shrewsbury with wife Charlene, daughter Caris and new arrival baby Alex. “I have a lot of friends and family coming out to support me.”
Joe, a member of Mileham Karate Dojo, was inspired to take on the challenge by his mum, Mag, who has completed two London Marathons.
Thanks to £1,000 sponsorship from Morris Lubricants, he has now passed his £2,000 fundraising target but is keen to raise as much money as possible for the charity. To support Joe with a donation, go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JosephShepherd1 .
“I am thrilled with the donation from Morris Lubricants which is much more than I expected,” he said. “I have the company’s name on my vest alongside Children With Cancer and will wear it with pride.
“I think the charity fits in well with all the other deserving charities that Morris Lubricants has generously supported in the past.”
Joe says he appreciates all the sponsorship and support that he is getting from his work colleagues who are planning a celebratory pizza party fundraiser following the marathon.
Andrew Goddard, executive chairman of Morris Lubricants, said: “The company is delighted to sponsor Joe to run in the London Marathon for such a great charity. We wish him well and hope he manages to raise a significant sum to support the work of Children with Cancer UK.”
Page uploaded: 24th September 2021