At 92 years old, Brian Macklin is still finding new ways to go the distance.
The Chester resident has just completed a remarkable 21‑mile rowing challenge (the equivalent of crossing the English Channel) to raise much-needed funds for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, a cause close to his heart.
Brian set sail on Monday 11th May at Total Fitness in Chester, quickly drawing in a crowd of staff and fellow gym members who cheered him on. Stroke by stroke, he powered through the miles in five sessions, averaging just under four miles an hour, before completing the full distance on the morning of Wednesday 13th May.
For Brian, fitness has been a lifelong passion.
He developed a love of running at just 11 years old when he would sprint through his paper round. His passion for running grew after his service in the RAF, seeing him through decades of running 10Ks and half marathons. At 69, he even ran the London Marathon to support the hospice.
“For most of my life I was a long-distance runner and walker,” Brian said. “I had to stop in my late eighties when I tore my meniscus.”
But rather than slowing down, Brian adapted.
“I just thought one day that I want to do something for the hospice,” he said. “I can’t run anymore, but maybe I can row. I gave it time to see how I got on with it, and when I realised I was doing well, I thought—yes, I can do this.”
Rowing has since given him a renewed sense of energy. “Before I started rowing, I was struggling to even get on the exercise bike,” he explained. “Now it’s loosened everything up and given me a lot of stamina.”
But his challenge was about far more than fitness.
Brian has supported the Hospice of the Good Shepherd for many years, inspired in part by the experience of a friend’s family.
“My friend’s wife suffered with bowel cancer and needed hospice support,” he said. “It’s stayed in my mind ever since. I suppose that’s what made me think—if I do something, I’ll do it for the hospice.”
Throughout his challenge, Brian wasn’t rowing alone. Supporters stopped to chat, cheer him on, and donate as he surged closer towards his goal.
“People are always keen to support the hospice,” he said. “Many came up to me while I was rowing because they know what it means. You see, no one knows if or when they might need it.”
A familiar figure in his community, Brian has also been a long time supporter of other charities such as the Air Ambulance and RNLI, and previously helped establish and lead a local walking club, to share his love of fitness and the outdoors with others.
Now, at 92, he remains modest about his latest achievement.
“I feel very privileged to be 92,” he said.
Through every pull and steady mile, Brian’s challenge is a touching reminder of both personal resilience and the importance of community support.
“All proceeds will be for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Backford, who rely heavily on charitable donations,” he added. “Any contributions will be much appreciated.”
You can show Brian your support by donating on fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/brian-macklin1