Skip Navigation

Marathon man runs again




















Jim is running his fourth London marathon for MRDF.

 

Last year was supposed to be Jim Parrish's last marathon. But this year, he will be at the starting line again running his fourth London marathon for MRDF.

 
For most people, retirement is a time to pursue hobbies and take life slowly, but not for Jim Parrish. The 72-year-old will run the 26.5 miles of the London Marathon for MRDF on 26 April, despite telling his wife that last year's was the final time.

When Jim finishes the marathon, his record will stand at an impressive 12 marathons in total – not a small feat for a pensioner! Jim said: ‘I wanted to finish my marathon career on a nice round number, and 12 sounded good! My wife and I lived in various countries in Africa for nearly 30 years, and in Malawi for six of them. I'm happy to be running for MRDF's project in Malawi, which does so much good work for people living with HIV/AIDS.'

 

Jim is raising money for an MRDF partner organisation that runs training sessions in sustainable agriculture and jam and soap making for people living with HIV/AIDS – giving them the opportunity to make a living. The project also equips people to deal with the stigma and discrimination they can face because of their HIV/AIDS status.

 

Audrey Skervin, MRDF Supporter Relations Officer, met Jim at the finishing line last year. She said: ‘We are delighted that Jim has chosen to run for MRDF again – he is our marathon hero! Last year, he raised over £1,300 for another MRDF project in Malawi and helped unemployed young people to build their business skills and vulnerable families to improve their crop supplies. Jim's efforts this year will enable even more lives to be changed.'

 

To help Jim reach his £1,500 fundraising target, and make more small miracles possible, sponsor him at www.justgiving.com/jamesparrish.
 
Sign up and receive regular updates from MRDF