I had a tear in my eye - running binman Deano completes all region's fun runs raising £300k for charity
“They would have been so proud of me and I had a tear in my eye when I crossed the finish line”
The moving words of running binman Deano Franciosy after completing all the fun runs across the North East raising nearly £300,000 for charity in the process.
Deano completed the challenge on New Year’s day after taking on the Hogmanhoway run in Newcastle - one again with his wheelie bin strapped to his back.
Deano, 56, has been raising money for good causes for over 30 years, initially running with weights to increase the level of challenge, before later strapping his trusty wheelie bin to his back, after being employed by the City Council as a refuse collector 10 years ago.
During that time Deano has completed the Great North Run, Sunderland 10km and half marathon, the Tommy Run in Seaham, Blaydon Races, Durham City Run, as well as range of personalised challenges including running up and down Penshaw Monument hill continuously for two hours, scaling the steps at Barnes Park 82 times, and running 24 miles from the Stadium of Light to South Shields and back.
After competing the challenge Deano, 56, from Pennywell, said: “I had a tear in my eye when I crossed the finish line and I’m really pleased with how much money I have raised over the years.
“My first run with a wheelie bin on my back was the Colour run, but the hardest I have done was the Penshaw 10km. I’ve run the Great North Run and the London Marathon, but even though the Penshaw 10K is much shorter it’s really hilly and was so tough.”
Dean always runs un memory of his mother, Edna Gardner, passed away in 2001 at the age of 61 due to a heart attack, whilst his “big brother” Kevin Franciosy sadly passed away from sepsis in 2014 at the age of 47.
They were cared for by Sunderland Royal Hospital and a significant proportion of the £295,000 Deano has raised for various charities has been donated to the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Deano said: “I always give my mam’s photo a kiss and put it into my bin, along with my brother’s photo before I set off. They have inspired me to complete the runs and to keep going when things get tough.
“Sunderland Royal Hospital provided amazing care for mam and Kevin and I just want to give something back.
“If they were here today then I know they would be proud of me and what I have achieved.”
Despite having achieved his goal of completing all the region’s fun runs, Deano has no plans to hang up his wheelie bin anytime soon.
He said: “I’m doing the Great North Run again this year and I want to do it when I’m 60. I’m going to look to take on more running challenges outside the area in different cities and parts of the country and I want to continue raising money for Sunderland Royal and other good causes.”