When most teenagers turn 18, the celebrations usually involve a party or a night out with friends. But for Jack Murray, his milestone birthday this week is being marked by something a little different, running 26.2 miles through the streets of London.
Turning 18 just two days before this Sunday’s TCS London Marathon, Jack is officially the youngest male runner in this year’s field. It’s a remarkable feat, especially considering that only two years ago, a serious triple leg break left him wondering when he’d be back on his feet, let alone training for a marathon while balancing his A-Level revision.
Jack isn’t running alone. He’ll be joined at the start line by his dad, Nigel Murray, the CEO of supermarket Booths, who is also celebrating his birthday on Friday! For Nigel, a dedicated cyclist who has tackled the Tour de France route for charity, the transition to running has been a humble one.
“I’ll be honest, I’m not a runner, but after watching my daughter cross the finish line last year, Jack and I were both so inspired that we decided to go for it together. Seeing Jack work through his injury and his studies to get here has been incredible.”
The pair are running for Cure Leukaemia, a charity that is deeply woven into the fabric of the Booths family. Over the last five years, Booths customers and colleagues have raised over £500,000, and the impact is hitting home.
The money raised specifically funds a specialist research nurse at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. This role is a lifeline for people in Lancashire and South Cumbria, allowing local patients to access cutting-edge clinical trials and treatments that wouldn’t otherwise be available in the region.
As they head to the start line, the Murrays have already surpassed their fundraising goals, proving that whether you’re 18 or older, some of the best birthday presents are the ones you give back to the community.
To cheer on Jack and Nigel, you can find their fundraising pages on Just Giving.