11:07

11 Marathons. 11 Days.

Starting on May the 4th and finishing on May 14th 2023.

I will be running 11 marathons in 11 days for my dad “Mr G”. Unfortunately, my dad has been diagnosed with the big “C” and also in memory of my grandad “Ralphy-babes” who sadly lost his battle to the big “C” in April 2017.

Each day, I will be running a marathon along with other people special to me. My aim is to raise as much money as possible, a starting figure of £700.00. The donations to be split between Cancer Research and Dove House Hospice.

Dad and Grandad shared the same birthday 11th July, 11:07 … hence the days and the donation.

Our world was turned upside down back in 2017 when grandad received his diagnosis, just 8 weeks later on the 21st April we sadly said our good byes and I took up running to help deal with the grief, my first major run was the Hull 10k in June 2017.

Fast forward a few years, a few marathons (5 to be exact) joining the best running club and finding my feet … on 2 feet running.

We again, had our worlds turned upside down, well upside down around, shaken a bit and some more … on the 22nd April 2022 (what month). We received the devastating news that Dad also had the big “C”, treatable with some palliative chemotherapy but incurable.

In true Gawthorpe style (I get it from my dad) I put my “concrete knickers” on and carried on with life, supporting my heartbroken Mum and family.

The challenge I’ve given myself came on the morning of a long run with my coach, Paul Wray, thinking he would talk me out of it, I mentioned it to which he said “wow what an amazing idea”.

Lots of sorting, lots of planing and the dates came together.

I will be running London Marathon on Sunday 23rd April … let’s change the outlook on April to something positive. Then coming home, resting and completing my mighty challenge in May finishing with the Rob Burrows marathon in Leeds.

Any support and donations during my mammoth challenge will be greatly appreciated.

Please let me know if you would like to participate along the journey with me.