Not one to be deterred from his many fundraising events and plans for 2020, Colin Bonfield found an innovative way of adapting his intended Great Manchester Run.

"The Great Manchester Run is a big event for my family as I have run it every year since it started in 2003 and my children have run the child events ever since they have been old enough to do so."

Colin decided, on 24th May, to stage a replacement event at his house following cancellation of the official run due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. He named this The Great Back Garden Run 2020!

The course was measured, goody bags were prepared and medals made for the kids. With a start and finish line in place, off they went!

"One lap of the garden was 0.05km so my daughter ran 30 laps to complete her 1.5km mini run, my son ran 50 laps to complete his 2.5km junior run. I had to run 200 laps! It was great fun and the kids really enjoyed themselves."

Colin chose to raise funds for APF following the loss of his mum, Jackie in May 2018, less than three years after a diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

I find it staggering that there is such little awareness of this disease, especially as there is no cure so I am keen to try and impact this, even if only a little bit as just one person.

In spite of the setbacks, Colin has raised 90% of his £1,250 target to date, not only through running but also a Facebook event. We are hugely grateful.

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