The power to change lives: from 10k to half marathon (and beyond!)

Giving back to Mersey Care through the Mersey Tunnel 10k

A charity fundraiser is a great way to do something amazing for others, while also making a positive impact in your own life. For Gareth Kinnair, a history teacher from North Wales who now lives in Merseyside, participating in a Mersey Cares charity event not only helped raise vital funds to support our mental health and community services, but also sparked a fitness transformation. What began as a simple act of giving blossomed into a newfound passion for running, which Gareth credits with 'changing his life'. 

As part of our #MakeItMerseyCares series, we're sharing Gareth's story to inspire others to take that first step towards achieving what they may have once thought impossible - and maybe even do a spot of fundraising at the same time!

Let the training commence!

Gareth's fitness journey began when he started training for the Mersey Tunnel 10k – an annual fixture in Liverpool's events calendar which sees the Wallasey tunnel closed to vehicles and open to thousands of runners - many of whom are raising funds for good causes. This unique event takes them on a subterranean adventure of just over 3K before exiting the tunnel on the Wirral side of the River Mersey​, with the course then making its way along the Dock Road and the Seacombe Ferry terminal. 

Why Make It Mersey Cares?

The reason for Gareth signing up to the challenge and donning our bright pink charity tee was to ‘give back’ for the care his loved one received in December, 2023.

“Last year a loved one of mine was looked after by Mersey Care who supported them, as well as the family,” Gareth shared.

"They were so amazing, caring, considerate. So, I felt like a good way of handling this situation was to run the Mersey Tunnel 10k in April 2024 to raise money and give something back to those who had helped us so much.”

Raising over £400 to support Mersey Care's mental health and community services, Gareth also achieved a personal best, finishing the race in 1 hour and 3 minutes.

“The support from everyone on the course, fellow runners and the public cheering us on was so intense. I felt really emotional at the finish line. It was a mix of emotions; I had been training for so long since December, so it was a very special moment for me.”

“Thank you so much to everyone who sponsored me– that money means so much to so many. I’m now ready for a rest – and then will start planning my half marathon!”

10k to half marathon

Indeed, the 10k was just the start of Gareth’s adventures in running. The confidence he gained doing the BTR Liverpool event encouraged him to sign up for the Manchester Half Marathon which he completed just six months later in October, 2024.  Training for the half marathon included many ParkRun distances – which also saw him reach the 50 run milestone in August of that same year. To mark mark his achievement he received a card, badge and balloon, which accompanied him one Saturday morning, dancing on the wind, across the Ormskirk course.

Speaking about the marathon he said:

“I’m genuinely so proud of myself. I never thought I could achieve this and to actually cross that finish line and get that medal made me a little bit emotional,” he said.

“Thank you so much Mersey Cares! It was my Mersey Tunnel 10k that started the whole thing.”

So what next for Gareth?

Not content with a 10k, 50+ ParkRun’s (and counting!),  and an impressive half marathon through the streets of Manchester, Gareth has another fitness and charity challenge in the pipeline. The Chester Triple Challenge, which includes a 10k, Half Marathon, and Metric Marathon – (a step up from a half marathon at 26.2km) is now on the horizon, with the first event taking place in March, followed by events in May and October 2025. 

“A year on and all the progress we have made is traced all the way back to the excellent service and care provided by Mersey Care," he said.

A ‘life-changing experience’

Looking back, Gareth can’t help but reflect on how this journey has transformed his life.

“The fundraiser for Mersey Cares has changed my life. Not only has it helped me achieve personal goals, but it has also allowed me to give back to a charity that truly made a difference for my family,” he said.

Gareth’s story is proof that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come when we push beyond our comfort zone—and that in helping others along the way, the journey is all the more meaningful. 

We wish him the best of luck for his next challenge and would like to say a massive thank you for supporting our charity.