Soldier to run half marathon to raise funds for care home

A Lancashire soldier is training to run a half-marathon to raise money for a nursing home which cared for his grandfather.

Callum Gee, of Barnoldswick, is planning to run the 13.1 mile run with his two friends, Sean McLoud and Harry Wallbank on May 30.

Jack Metcalfe, who was a resident of Cravenside Nursing Home died, aged 90, three weeks ago and Mr Gee wants to raise funds for either a “tree” or a “bench” for their garden.

Mr Gee who has nearly raised £1,500 said: “I want to give something back to the care home as he loved it there."

Mr Metcalfe loved gardening and Mr Gee would like to put some money towards the garden.

“Maybe they could get a tree in his memory or even a bench as he would have loved that. Any more money that I can raise could be used where they want," says Mr Gee.

'I went in the Army because of him'

Mr Metcalfe was in the army during the Second World War and lived in Earby most of his life before moving to the home. He was there for over a year before he died.

Mr Gee said: “I went in the Army because of him. He had memories of the war and he was someone that I looked up to, and that was why I did it.

“My grandad was down-to-earth and loved going on walks. The care home was great and they always went out on trips which he loved to do. The carers were so good. Nothing was ever too much work for them.

“During this pandemic, care homes are having to deal with so much so it would be good to have something nice for them when we get out of this situation.”

The 20-year-old has been serving in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, which is the North West’s infantry regiment, for three years.

He said: “I have been running all my life but haven’t done this distance. I have been in training and I think that I will smash it.

“I am really surprised how much money has been raised as I set a target of £500, but I am trying to get as much as I can for them.

Emma Lawson assistant care manager of Cravenside Nursing Home said: “We could not be more proud of Callum and he is doing a fantastic job.

"Callum is a personal friend of ours and we are thrilled to bits that he is raising money to support the home his grandad was in.”

The three friends are looking to make a cheque presentation to the care home when the run is completed.

If you wish to donate click here

click here for more details or to contact Cravenside Home for Older People