Audiologist raises £1,700 for UK hearing loss charity
An audiologist took on the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise vital funds for adults living with hearing loss in the UK.
Chris Cartwright, 52, from Stourbridge in the West Midlands, has worked as an audiologist in the public and private sectors for 16 years before joining Phonak, a hearing solutions company; where he has worked for the past 18 years and currently works as the Audiology Development Manager.
He was inspired to run in aid of Hearing Link after working closely with the charity throughout his career.
Chris said: “I have always been impressed with the people from Hearing Link and to this day I constantly encourage professionals to work more closely with the charity. I was delighted to take on my first marathon to raise funds for its vital work across the UK.”
The dad of four had only ever run 8 miles in one go before the race on 26th April. He said: “I started increasing my distance more & more each time I ran until I finally succeeded in covering 26 miles. Although you don’t have to train to that distance before the race; I wanted to know that I could do it.”
Chris completed the marathon in 4hrs 31mins and his efforts have raised £1768.52 so far.
He added: “Overall, it’s been an incredible experience that I’ll always remember. Thank you to all my family, friends and colleagues for their donations. When I first signed up to the marathon I was worried about achieving the fundraising target and running the distance. However, I’m really pleased to have raised such as fantastic amount for a wonderful charity.”
Dr Lorraine Gailey, Chief Executive of Hearing Link, said: “It is wonderful news that Chris has raised this phenomenal amount for our charity. It is no mean feat to complete the Virgin Money London Marathon and to do it in 4.5hrs is truly fantastic. We are very proud to have his support and his funds will help support people living with hearing loss in every country of the UK.”
You can still support Chris’ fundraising at: https://www.justgiving.com/Chris-Cartwright2
For further information and support for hearing loss visit www.hearinglink.org or contact its Helpdesk on Tel: 0300 111 1113; Mob: 07526 123255 or email: helpdesk@hearinglink.org.
If you would like to run the Virgin Money London Marathon in 2017 for Hearing Link, register your interest at: https://www.hearinglink.org/get-involved/fundraising-events/london-marathon/.
For further information please contact:
Lorna Armstrong, Marketing & Communications Manager
Email: lorna.armstrong@hearinglink.org
Tel/SMS: 07534 563485
Notes to Editors
Photograph: Chris with his London Marathon Medal.
About Hearing Link
Hearing Link is a UK charity for people who have developed any level of hearing loss and their family and friends. It provides information and support and puts them in contact with others who have similar experiences. It aims to give people the knowledge, skills, confidence and contacts so they can more easily manage the practical and emotional challenges that hearing loss brings. It works across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information, visit www.hearinglink.org/press-office.