Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
In 2014 I am going to run the Paris Marathon on 6th April, the Loch Ness Marathon on 28th September and cover the distance between the two events (850 miles) to raise money for MacMillan in memory of my dad, Harry Bonthrone, who died on the 2nd July after a brave battle against Oesophageal Cancer.
My dad was my hero. He inspired me to start running and even though I wasn't very good when I started, he taught me it was all about taking part and constantly improving myself and not about being the best. This is something I've lived by in life and taught to others.
My dad was always fit, never ill and while it was a huge shock when he was diagnosed, he quickly accepted what was about to happen and set about enjoying the time he had left, remaining strong throughout. Dad thought he had acid reflux when he went to the doctor and by the time he was diagnosed after doing various tests, his condition was untreatable.
I have so far completed the Paris Marathon, Loch Leven Half Marathon, done the 'Hairy' of running the 5k, 10k, Half and Full Marathon at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, three 5k races in Florida in July and will be taking part in the Perth Relay Wild Triathlon, the Scottish Half Marathon and, finally, the Loch Ness Marathon.
I have also decided to increase my target from 850 miles to 1000 miles and push myself further during these last few weeks.
I hope that by doing this challenge, I will have inspired more people to exercise regularly, challenge themselves in an event and to live a healthier lifestyle.
£25
could pay for a Macmillan nurse for an hour, helping patients and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support that prevents people feeling like they’re facing cancer alone.
£200
£198 could pay for a Macmillan Grant that helps a person living with cancer heat their home when they really need to. Solving this one issue can reduce stress and make people feel more in control of their situation. Every day more than 32 people in the UK receive heating grants from Macmillan.
£750
£737 could operate our Macmillan Support Line for an hour. In this time, our cancer support specialists could answer 27 calls and emails from people who want questions answered, need practical or financial support, or just want to chat.
£910
£904 could pay for a Macmillan social worker or family support worker for a week. They work with community and social services agencies to help people manage the social and practical problems of living with cancer.