Wirral Runner takes on London Marathon to Support Local Cancer Research
A runner from Wallasey, Wirral is preparing to take on his first London Marathon in aid of local research funded by North West Cancer Research.
36-year-old Paul Jones, who now lives in London, will join up to 50,000 runners to complete the famous course on Sunday 23rd April, inspired by his dad’s battle with cancer.
Paul’s dad, Keith, was diagnosed with mesothelioma late last year and is currently receiving immunotherapy treatment. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body’s organs, normally caused by asbestos, developing decades after exposure.
Support has flooded in for Paul, who is well on his way to reaching his £2,000 target, from friends, family and colleagues, who have stayed up to date with his training on Strava as he takes on routes across the country.
Paul said of his upcoming challenge: “I’m a relatively new running enthusiast and never would have imagined a year ago that I would be just about to run not only my first ever marathon, but the London Marathon at that! My training has taken me all over London, a bit of Manchester, at home on the Wirral coastline and even parts of Snowdonia. It’s not been smooth sailing but I’m building resistance that I’ll call upon on the day!
“I learned about North West Cancer Research around the time of my dad’s diagnosis, and how the Charity plays a vital role in supporting the region’s delivery of support, treatment and care for those affected. To be supporting a charity that has an indirect role in helping my Dad fills me with a lot of belief and pride. To be doing something that will help even more people in the future is a great motivator.”
Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Paul for thinking of us and recognising the advancements in treatment that our research has helped support. It’s great to have someone who has moved further afield recognise a local charity from his hometown. We’ll be cheering him on during the Marathon as he raises much needed funds for cancer research right here in the North West.
“We are currently funding research into mesothelioma, with researchers using a new targeted drug combination to explore why some patients might benefit from it more than others. This will ultimately improve treatments and outcomes for mesothelioma patients.”
North West Cancer Research is an independent charity dedicated to putting the region’s cancer needs first by funding life-saving research and education to tackle the cause, improve the care and find the cure for cancer.
Donations can be made via Paul’s fundraising page: https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/paul-jones-680c5