Staff stories - Chris' story

Chris Browne ran his first marathon for United Response in 2000. He was very nervous.

Chris has run seven marathons in seven years. He has raised more than £15,000 for United Response.

While Chris is training he says that every race will be the last one he goes in for.

If you ask Chris if he will run another, he says "No way!" but he always changes his mind.

Chris has always loved sport. He likes the fact that training for a long-distance race gives him a goal.

Chris says, "training for a long distance race becomes part of your life, so you need to have the support of family and friends".

The money Chris has raised has made a real difference to the people we support.

Some of the money Chris has raised has helped some people to go on supported holidays.

Some of the money has been used to buy gardening equipment so that some of people we support can enjoy their gardens and outdoor spaces.

£2000 of Chris' funds was used to help build a sensory garden in Richmond. This type of garden uses shapes, smells and colours to stimulate the senses of the people using it.

Chris says "raising the money can be as exhausting as running the race itself". He says he could not do it alone.

The people he works with, his friends and his family all help him to raise funds.

If you fancy running a long distance race, Chris's says "get decent trainers!" He says you need to make sure your knees are strong.