Father and son set to run

A property maintenance director and his teenage son are to pound the streets of Manchester for Francis House Children’s Hospice.

John Fleming, from Heaton Mersey, Stockport and 15 year old Declan, will be joining thousands of other runners taking part in the Great Manchester 10k Run on Sunday May 28.

The pair are hoping to raise one thousand pounds in sponsorship.

Established runner, John, 51, has successfully completed the Wilmslow Half Marathon twice, and the Great Manchester 10k Run on no less than five separate occasions. Although he admits to not pulling on his road running shoes for the last 4 years.

“I wanted to get back to running this year and to run with Declan. When I knew he as eligible at 15 to take part I asked him and he said ‘let’s do it’ so we signed up,” John said.

Co-owner of Beara Properties in Sale, set up ten years ago with his brother Eddie Fleming, John employs up to twelve permanent staff looking after the maintenance of over 400 residential apartment complexes across the north west, Yorkshire and Staffordshire.

Fitness enthusiast John, admits his biggest challenge is motivating Manchester Grammar School pupil Declan, to join him in the gym where he now trains five to six days a week.

“He thinks oh we’ve got three months don’t worry about it, but I’m pushing him as he needs to get going and start building up his stamina and increasing his time. I want us to run and stick together the whole way round,” John said.

“I’m looking forward to the whole occasion of it, and with the new half marathon also taking place, it’s such a big occasion. As a City fan it is unfortunate the 10k only goes past United, but as the half marathon does pass both grounds so we may do that next year when Declan is old enough.”

Francis House is the family’s chosen charity as it was close to the hearts of both John’s mother Catherine Fleming and his wife Sophia’s mother Sophia Flannery.  Family friend Dr John Swarbrick is also one of four doctors that provide cover seven days a week and daily visits to the Didsbury hospice.

“I wanted to run for Francis House because it’s such a worthy and fantastic place and because it’s on our doorstep. I don’t think they get enough money and enough credit for what they do.”

If you are interested in taking part in the Great Manchester Run please call Emma in the fundraising office on 0161 443 2200 or visit https://www.francishouse.org.uk/great-manchester-run/

 

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