Wigan restaurant boss to take on London Marathon

Franco Spinelli, 54, who owns Franco’s restaurant in Wigan town centre, is taking on the 26.2-mile challenge on Sunday, April 26 after securing a Golden Bond place through the hospice, which cares for local people with progressive, life-limiting illnesses.

Months ahead of the event, he has already smashed his £1,200 target and had raised more than £1,850.

Keen runner Franco, a member of Wigan Harriers, said: “I race every Sunday and have raced in every city in England.

“I did the Manchester marathon last year but this will be the first time I’ve done the London marathon. I’m training five days a week and aiming to do it in under five hours.

“I always fancied doing the London marathon and I wanted to do it for a local charity because I live in Wigan. Everybody keeps putting money in the bucket I have by the bar – I have a lot of support.

“There are a lot of charities but we have a lot of customers who mention Wigan and Leigh Hospice and I know there are lots of people who have been helped by the hospice.”

Sicilian-born Franco started running when he was 50 and quickly developed a love of the sport.

He estimates he has several hundred medals as he takes part in at least a race a week. His goal is to have 1,000 medals by the time he is 65.

He has also raced abroad in Las Vegas, San Francisco and Thailand. His favourite race was the London Landmarks half marathon followed by the Great North Run.

Christine Edwardson, community fund-raiser at the hospice, said: “Franco’s commitment to running is amazing and we’re delighted he’s chosen to support local people who need hospice

care.

“His fund-raising has skyrocketed and we’re very grateful to him for taking on this challenge and to everyone who has supported Franco.”

The Observer is running the Helping Hand campaign to raise £10,000 to fund care at the hospice for the extra day created by the leap year.

To donate, call the hospice on 01942 525566 or visit its website www.wlh.org.uk, go to the donate button and select Pay for a Day from the drop-down menu.