A local garage owner is preparing to take on a half marathon challenge to raise funds for a local hospice that supported his family during his father’s final year.
Michael Barbieri, owner of Classic Motors in Melksham, will complete the Bath Half Marathon on 15th March, raising money for Dorothy House Hospice Care, which provides free palliative and end-of-life care locally.
He is also due to run the Bath Two Tunnels 10km on 22nd February as part of his preparation for the 13.1-mile half marathon distance.
“I just want to raise as much money as possible,” said Michael. “My target was £400 I am there already. I know a lot of people from Dorothy House. I also know a lot of people who have had to use Dorothy House in the past. My dad passed away back in 2017 and they helped him a lot in the last year of his life, so it is quite close to home as well.”
Michael says he has never really run before, but the Bath Half Marathon has been on his bucket list ever since he was in his 20s.
“I feel the fittest I have ever felt. I think it’s definitely achievable. Now I just want to compete it in as quick a time as possible. Everyone aims for the two-hour mark but I don’t know if I can do that because it is reasonably fast. It is great to do the two things together, complete the run and raise funds for Dorothy House.
“When I took over Classic Motors in 2017, I got so taken over by work that I never even considered doing anything like this.”
Michael has been training for the challenge since November. “I think when the half marathon is over, I am going to keep it up because I really enjoy it,” he said “I enjoy the headspace and feel the fittest I have ever felt.
“Dorothy House is such an important charity. I just feel like I wanted to do something for them. This is my way of doing it.”
To help raise funds, Michael has a collection pot for Dorothy House at Classic Motors on Spa Road. People can also donate via his fundraising page: https://shorturl.at/NXnxi
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