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Harrogate MP hits £2,000 fundraising target for local charities

Tom Gordon after completing Paris (left) and London marathons.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon said he is “delighted” to have hit his £2,000 fundraising goal for two local charities after running two marathons.

Tom completed London and Paris marathons whilst fundraising for Open Country and Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity. 

The total will be split evenly, with each charity receiving £1,000 to support their vital work in the community.

Tom reached his ambitious fundraising goal by completing the two historic marathons in just two weeks. 

While he’s a regular participant in the local park run, Tom said tackling two marathons back-to-back was a “significant challenge”.

Tom said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have hit my £2,000 target for Open Country and Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity. These organisations do incredible work every single day, and I’m proud to have played a part in supporting them.

“There are so many brilliant charities here in Harrogate and Knaresborough that choosing just two was incredibly tough – but I’m really pleased to have helped raise awareness and funds for these causes.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated and encouraged me along the way. The support I’ve received over the past few months has been amazing and truly appreciated.”

Tom recently met with both of the charities he chose to support to learn more about how the funds he raised will make a difference. 

In April, he visited Open Country, a charity that helps people with disabilities access and enjoy the countryside. 

The team explained that the funds Tom raised will help keep their minibuses on the road and contribute towards a tandem cycle and equipment for their popular tandem cycling clubs.

More recently, Tom visited Harrogate Hospital, where he met members of the Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity team. 

He saw first-hand how donations support frontline healthcare and community wellbeing projects. 

The team shared that Tom’s fundraising will go towards purchasing a fluid warming cabinet for hysteroscopy procedures—a type of investigation using a small camera to examine inside a woman’s uterus. 

The warming equipment will make the procedure significantly more comfortable for patients.

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