Former Tranmere Rovers striker, Alex Hay, has set himself the monumental task of running two marathons in two consecutive days.
The 42-year-old, who ran the London Marathon last year, will be going a step further this April. The ex-Superwhites’ man will be raising money for a cause close to his heart, The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.
Donations have already reached nearly £2000, for a charity Hay and his family feel a lot of ‘pride’ in raising money for.
Although always interested in his next challenge, Hay admits he didn’t think it would be this soon. Several months back his father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, which led to him struggling to focus on things. To his surprise, his fiancé had entered him into the London Marathon again.
am doing 2 marathons in 2 days for @ClatterbridgeCC
Sat 20th April : Wirral
Start: Clatterbridge Hospital
End: Prenton Park, before the fixture v AFC Wimbledon
Sun 21st April: TCS London Marathon
Cancer touches us all, together let’s battle back. Follow link or QR code pic.twitter.com/mXFh7QzkSK— Alex Hay (@AlexHay2) December 1, 2023
Determined to make light out of the situation, his father’s illness is extra incentive to take on the challenge.
‘’His positivity has been unbelievable, it’s made me so proud,” said Hay.
“He’s been so strong throughout it, so obviously that’s an inspiration to push you forward, and it makes everything worthwhile.
”I’m using that as my focus pretty much, it’s easy to get caught up in the negativity, but I think this will give me something to focus on whilst I’m training.”
The first leg of the challenge takes place on Saturday April 20, and consists of a route around The Wirral, where he lives. Then on Sunday there’s just the small feat of the London Marathon, again.
”I’m not sure if I’m looking forward to it (the challenge)! But I am looking forward to completing both, exhausted and in pain, but seeing a few smiles and knowing I have helped a few people makes it all worthwhile’’, Hay told MerseySportLive.
The now retired player enjoyed spells for his boyhood Tranmere Rovers, Morecambe and Rushden & Diamonds. Stints after, at Bangor City, Rhyl and a player-manager role at Cammel Laird saw the end of his career. Hay, who now works in a school, also enjoys his role coaching in his Blossom Skills academy.
Great night coaching @CafcOldershaw Inter u9s! They were all so focussed and did so well! Super⭐️s #Blossomskills pic.twitter.com/6MVEQUEX4T
— Blossom skills football coaching (@BlossomSkills) December 4, 2023
Growing up in Rock Ferry, Prenton Park was a stones throw away. He will be back again in April, with the finish line of the first leg being at the stadium, which is something thought to be the ‘‘perfect thing to do.’’
The league two side host Wimbledon on the day, and the charity will be there for any donations from supporters, with Hay saying it’s a nice opportunity to connect with fans as an ‘‘ex-player and local lad.’’
Merely 24 hours after, the London Marathon will be the next task. Praising an ‘unbelievable’ atmosphere at the event last year, he is sure the occasion alone will be enough to spur him to finish.
You can follow the journey every step of the way on X (@alexhay2) and donate to support Clatterbridge Cancer Charity using the link below.
You can find Alex Hay’s Just Giving page fundraising for Clatterbridge Hospital HERE.
