For his fifth Boston Marathon run next month, Haverhill’s KC Godin is running for a friend who can’t: Haverhill High senior Ryan Clough. Linked up with Clough through the Credit Unions Kids at Heart charity, Godin—the owner of Premier Martial Arts—hopes to raise $20,000 to assist his Children’s Hospital “patient partner” Clough, he tells WHAV.
Godin with Ryan Clough. (Courtesy photograph)
During practice runs along Bradford’s Route 125 and each Saturday with the 200-member Boston Hospital Marathon team, Godin keeps Clough, who suffers with cerebral palsy, top of mind. He also uses the time to live the mantras he teaches to karate students.
“It’s a good chance for me to walk my talk. I tell kids ‘Be tough, follow through’—that’s always in the back of my mind,” Godin tells WHAV. I think about what I preach every day at work and make sure I’m living it and not just saying it.”
Like Godin, each Credit Union Kids at Heart charity runner is matched with a patient partner. Godin has developed a special bond with Clough and his family, who met him at last year’s finish line to offer congratulations. Running his first marathon to benefit The One Fund Boston in the wake of the Marathon bombings, Godin has worked with Children’s Hospital ever since, calling it a no-brainer to partner with them.
“My day-to-day business is dealing with families and children, and that’s what Boston Children’s Hospital specializes in,” Godin said. “They don’t just treat the kids–they treat the families going through this ordeal.”
Godin has already raised more than $6,700 for his April 15 run, and plans to involve the community in his fundraising effort at a March 30 event at Hunking School. Students taking part in the Premier Martial Arts “strike-a-thon” have donors pledge to support them as they complete as many martial arts moves in five minutes as possible, Godin said, with all money raised going to his Marathon charity.
To donate to Godin ahead of the 2019 Boston Marathon, call 978-771-1912.