Veteran marathon runner, Geoff Cainer, completed the Manchester Marathon on 19th April in 4hours 45 minutes in aid of Project Smile.
The 69-year-old Whitefield cabbie was greeted at the finish by grandson Taylor Bernitz aged 3 and big sister Sidney aged 6.
“This was my 9th full marathon and 7th on behalf of The Fed’s children’s project and my 20th race for them in total.
“My wife, Carol, worked as a family support worker with Project Smile for years and I felt I just had to do something also to help the kids and their families.
They help children with all sorts of difficulties – ADHD, epilepsy, Asperger’s Syndrome, developmental delay, physical disabilities – they need a lot of care and attention and without Project Smile they would miss out so much. They can’t do the things we take for granted with other children – like going to camp, being on football team or even going round to a friends’ to play; and their parents get very little respite. Project Smile gives them so much – stimulation, a social life, fun and care all rolled into one – and the families get a break. It’s just brilliant”
If you would like to sponsor Geoff, and help children and families in need, you can call The Fed to make a credit or debit card payment on 0161 772 4800, send in a cheque or charity voucher to The Fed at Heathlands Drive, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 9SB, or make an online donation at http://www.thefed.org.uk/geoff2015/
If you would like more information about Project Smile and other Fed call the Referrals and Advice Officer on 0161 772 4800.