Cumbrian marathon man Gary McKee hits million pound target for 365

Hundreds turned out at Wath Brow Hornets rugby club in Cleator Moor to see the town's 'superman' Gary McKee complete the epic challenge that has taken place every day since January 1.

Gary's support runner preceded him over the finish line, in front of press from all over the country and well wishers who had lined the route throughout the day.

53-year-old Gary, from the town of Cleator Moor in west Cumbria, has run a marathon every single day in 2022 in aid of his two chosen charities - Macmillan Cancer Support and Hospice At Home West Cumbria.

Gary's support runners on the finish of the challenge. (Image: NQ staff)

Speaking after he finished his final task of the year, Gary said: "It's a bit surreal that it's finished. We have had lots of support, lots of people out. It's been a fantastic day and the last day was always about a celebration of the last 364 days.

"If we go back 24 hours we hadn't even raised half a million and for it to tick over to half a million I always thought if it did that people would start donating and it would go mental - and it has.

"So the feeling is that the 365 is ticked off and the million pound is ticked off, so it's job done."

READ MORE: Gary Lineker salutes 'amazing' Cumbrian marathon man Gary McKee

Gary and his family after completing the marathon. (Image: NQ staff)
When asked what his plans were next, Gary said: "A drink tonight, a full breakfast tomorrow, and we will see were that takes us."

Susan Blakeney, Lesley Cole hospice nurses Heather Sandwith hospice supporter (Image: Supplied)

Gary's daughter Minnie Mckee said: "I'm really proud, it's just amazing, I can't believe what's happening right now."

Gary, who earlier this year won a Newsquest Pride of Cumbria special award for his efforts in this and in previous challenges, has throughout this year run on the London Community Track at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and around MediaCity in Salford, as well as many runs in his hometown.

Gary was also chosen to appear at the Rugby League World Cup Final in November, carrying the trophy out onto the pitch at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Gary and Sheeraj Lutaria who vowed to make the total up to one million pounds. (Image: Supplied)

Sheeraj Laturia came up to run a marathon with Gary at the start of April - and has been so inspired by the challenge that he vowed to make up donations to a million pounds at the start of the day.

Gary and wife Susan who he says is his biggest supporter. (Image: NQ staff)

Speaking after the marathon he said: "I came to run in April for the very first time. It's not been that long but I feel like he is my family, like an older brother.

"At the start of today I told him Gary, you have a target of a million pounds today and whatever we make by the time of finish I will round it up to a million pounds."

Macmillan Cancer Support executive director of fundraising, Claire Rowney, added: "Gary's achievement and selflessness is off the scale.

Hundreds gathered to see Gary over the finish line (Image: NQ staff)

"Every single day this year, this extraordinary man has put his body through a marathon to raise money for Macmillan and our friends at Hospice At Home West Cumbria.

"I can only imagine the self-discipline and determination required to achieve this and there aren't enough words to express our heartfelt gratitude for everything that he has done to help Macmillan support people living with cancer at a time when they need us more than ever."

Throughout his time running, Gary has at points been joined by a few famous faces such as super league stars Kyle Amor and Kevin Sinfield - as well as garnering support from celebrities such as Cumbrian TV personality Helen Skelton.

READ MORE: Home stretch: Cumbrian marathon man to complete his 365th consecutive marathon TODAY