Charity Hero runner spotlight

Each year, we have hundreds of runners who register as a Charity Hero runner and raise funds for one of our awesome Charity partners.

Andy Kirk is taking on this year's ASB Auckland Marathon for Gut Cancer Foundation, here is his story:

“I emigrated from the UK nearly 14 years ago and used to run regularly. In January 2012, I went back to the UK to visit my Mum who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 4 months later she passed away. Not sure why, but I stopped running and couldn’t find the motivation. Five years later, I had to go back to the UK again, this time my Dad had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 4 months later he passed away.

Then in 2018, my eldest brother was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I flew back to the UK to visit as surgeons thought they had caught it in time for surgery to remove the tumour. Unfortunately, it was not to be and 4 months later he passed away.

A year later, and a friend motivated me to get running again. I only did 8kms but really enjoyed it. Then I started increasing my distances and noticed my fitness level increasing. In January on a 20km run, I thought to myself why don't I train and compete in a marathon? Looked online and decided the ASB Auckland Marathon in November would give me loads of time to train.

Also thought it would be great to run for charity, and as soon as I saw the Gut Cancer Foundation had a team, I joined straight away. Hopefully I can get fit and help others, raising awareness and money for a really good cause.”

If you're inspired to become a Charity Hero runner for 2020, click here to find out more.