Haines targets $1M from six marathons Charity fund-raising champion Derek Haines aims to raise $1 million from six marathon runs this year.

Mr. Haines is embarking on his most demanding year ever with six 26.1 mile runs spread between Cayman, America, Asia and Europe.  

He already has about a third of that sum pledged and is confident that by the end of the year, when he completes the series with the Cayman Islands Marathon on Dec. 7, that magic figure will be achieved.  Motivation to complete all these arduous runs will not be a problem because the celebrated fund-raiser has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various worthy Cayman Islands causes.  Under the patronage of Governor Helen Kilpatrick, Mr. Haines accepted the challenge to raise funds for a new purpose-built hospice building that will include a new inpatient care unit. The governor has also agreed to host a reception at her residence in March to officially launch the appeal. Mr. Haines’s first challenge will be the Paris marathon on Apr. 6, swiftly followed by the London marathon a week later. “I’m a bit worried about doing them back to back but I’m sure I’ll find a way,” he said.  

Mr. Haines has also applied to enter the New York marathon, is considering Chicago and is hoping that his daughter Lizzy can join him on another one in the Pacific basin in late June. Then it’s a well-earned rest, recharging of batteries and cranking up again for the Cayman marathon, which he usually runs in just over four hours.  

All travel costs and registration fees will be self-funded by Mr. Haines and the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman is donating $2,800 to the British Hospice Society to guarantee his entry into the London race. 

Rotary Club treasurer Chris Johnson is opening a dedicated bank account to accommodate donations towards the appeal.  

He said, “Every dollar that is donated to this appeal will be used for completing this new hospice facility. There will be no administrative costs or other expenses paid from it and I think this is very important for donors to understand.”  Please help in any way you can to assist “our” Derek in raising the required funds!