Hi everyone,

On Sunday 11th October 2026, I'll be taking on the Chester Marathon – my very first marathon – to raise money for Manchester United Foundation.

At 46 years old, this challenge scares me a little...

Okay, a lot!

I've completed Manchester 10Ks and half marathons before, but never the full 26.2 miles.

Like many people, life is busy. I work full-time as a Shift Manager, coach twice a week with Manchester United Foundation's Street Reds programme, manage grassroots football teams, play in a band and, most importantly, try to be the best dad I can be to my 2 sons (Max & Mason) and my beautiful daughter Molly.

As a kid, boxing gave me purpose, discipline and somewhere to belong. I became a North West Champion and even boxed at National Quarter Final level. The coaches around me changed my life.

That's one of the reasons Street Reds means so much to me.

I've seen first-hand the incredible work Manchester United Foundation does to support and inspire young people, and I wanted to give something back whilst taking on the biggest physical challenge of my life.

This journey isn't starting from perfection.

It's starting with a bloke from Winsford trying to become healthier, fitter and proud of the person looking back at him in the mirror.

There will be good days and bad days.

Runs I enjoy.

Runs I don't want to do at all.

But I'm determined to reach that finish line.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help Manchester United Foundation continue changing young lives through its amazing work.

Thank you so much for your support.

Let's make October 2026 Mike proud.

VAMOS! ❤️🏃🏻‍♂️🔴⚫