Craig is running the London Marathon in memory of his dad, Ken
Craig is one of the St Ann's runners taking part in marathons on behalf of the hospice this year
After taking part in two Manchester Marathons, Craig Weatherill from Manchester is seeking a new challenge by running in the world’s largest, single day fundraising event, the London Marathon.
Craig will be raising funds for St Ann’s Hospice who cared for his dad, Ken.
“I love running,” Craig said. “I’m one of the sad people who enjoys it.
“I’ve never ran the London Marathon before, but St Ann’s have given me the opportunity to do it and so I’m going to raise some money,” he added.
Craig says he would encourage anyone to get into running, claiming it’s a great way of “clearing your head”.
I get my biggest satisfaction out of training with people who have never ran before and watching them progress. Anyone with capability can run, it doesn’t matter how fast you go. People are always worried about their pace and time, that increases the chance of injury Craig Weatherill, St Ann's Hospice Supporter
“So just pace yourself, it’s a good way of keeping fit. The best part about it is socialising. I started running for my mental health,” he said.
Craig’s dad was initially diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 where his treatment was successful and according to Craig, he went back to a normal life, becoming a granddad a few times over again.
In 2015, Ken’s cancer returned, this time in the form of a brain tumour. “After surgery to remove the tumour and Radiotherapy treatment Dad fought back and made amazing progress. He was on the road to recovery, or so we thought,” Craig said.
The brain tumour reappeared in 2017. More surgery followed and then the tumour reappeared again in 2018. Unfortunately, it was decided that it was too dangerous to operate.
Ken went through chemotherapy treatment at Wythenshawe Hospital and a radiotherapy treatment at the Christie in Manchester.
“Sadly, the tumour didn’t go away, and dad deteriorated,” Craig said.
Ken was initially admitted to St Ann’s in Heald Green in the autumn of 2019 for pain management and was later released. In February 2020, he had a chest infection and was admitted once again to St Ann’s.
“He passed away on the 23rd of March, almost five years ago now. He fought everything so well, he always kept going,” Craig said.
Craig said he felt strange when his dad was first admitted to St Ann’s Hospice but by the time his dad had passed, he felt that he had to give something back to the hospice.
“They were truly amazing. The support from the staff, they were so friendly and professional but they also felt like family and friends,” he said.
Craig has officially launched his marathon campaign, and you can donate to his cause or learn more about his reasons for running the marathon here, via his Just Giving page.