Military runner prepares for New York City marathon in aid of Fisher House

WO2 Nicholas McKenzie, Logistic Manager for Royal Centre of Defence Medicine, added to his fundraising efforts by running the SimplyHealth Great Birmingham Run and signing himself up for the New York City Marathon for Fisher House.

Part of Nicholas’ job involves him managing the military welfare drivers that support military patients and their families at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Through his connection to Fisher House, he has fundraised annually for the patients and families who stay there and is continuing his efforts through running.

Talking about the half marathon, Nicholas said: “I loved the half marathon even with the rain there was still lots of Brummies’ cheering us on around the course.”

Nicholas is also taking on the New York City marathon on November 4 which is part of his 50th birthday celebrations. His wife, Erica Hanson-McKenzie, planned for them to go to New York City, Cape May and Philadelphia for ten days for his birthday, so Nicholas is taking a day out to run the marathon to raise even more money for Fisher House!

Every year since Fisher House has been open, Nicholas and a team of colleagues from the RCDM have done the Nijmegen Marches which is a 100 mile march with their kit over four days in the Netherlands. So far, they have raised a huge £11,000 by doing this and will be taking on this challenge again in July 2019!

Nicholas has been training for over a year and makes sure he has a long distance running event every month to keep him focused. Nicholas said: “With my long military career and serving many operational tours, I consider myself fortunate to have had such a great career. Those military patients that utilise Fisher House are not so fortunate, and knowing the staff that run Fisher House, their dedication makes it a home away from home.”

Rachel Learmonth, Senior Fundraiser for Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, said: “Nicholas does so much for Fisher House and having him add even more fundraising activities to his list is really great. He did so well with the half marathon and I hope he enjoys the New York marathon just as much!

“All of the money Nicholas has raised goes towards the running of Fisher House and making sure families of the military patients are being supported in the best way possible during the time of their stay."

To find out more about Fisher House and how to donate please click here.

Pictured (left) with Cpl Michael Clough (veteran), Yorkshire Regiment (right).