Chris to run marathon for donkeys

Plympton martial arts teacher and ex-marine, Chris McKenna, is limbering up to run the Plymouth Half Marathon next month in aid of The Donkey Sanctuary Ivybridge.

He will also be holding a fundraising gig at the Westward Inn in Lee Mill on Friday 3 April from 8.30pm.

It will be the second time that Chris, 63, has run the Half Marathon for the Sanctuary. Last year he enjoyed it so much and was so pleased to help the charity that he decided to do it again this Easter.

He said: “Last year’s race was a lot of fun and it’s good to support a local charity. The kids get a lot out of their interaction with the donkeys and the centre is important to a lot of people around here so I’m happy to do what I can to help it.”

Chris has raised money for various charities over the years. He first got involved with The Donkey Sanctuary Ivybridge after learning how pupils from his wife’s school, Yealmpstone Farm Primary School, and also work colleagues’ children, benefited from donkey assisted therapy at the centre. Since then Chris has established strong links with the Sanctuary, running a Tae Kwon Do demonstration at the centre, and becoming good friends with some of the donkeys.

Last year he raised £420 for the charity and completed the race in 02:05.06. This year he’s happy “just to get round without stopping.”

You can support Chris in the Plymouth Half Marathon which takes place on 19 April by visiting his Just Giving page

The Donkey Sanctuary Ivybridge is open seven days a week from 10am to 3pm. It holds events and open days throughout the year and all proceeds go towards The Donkey Sanctuary’s work in the community and worldwide.

The Donkey Sanctuary Ivybridge provides donkey assisted therapy to 150 local children with additional needs from Plymouth and the surrounding area each week.