A REDDITCH man is tackling a marathon charity challenge this year – in honour of his mum.
Shane Simpson, who lives in Cookhill, will be running the London Marathon this year and he’s hoping to raise £2,500 for Beating Bowel Cancer in the process.
Shane’s mum Ann was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012 and underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy to shrink her tumour followed by a major operation.
Shane said: “She kept it to herself for more than six months before eventually telling my dad. She was so scared, as her dad and brother had previously died from this disease.”
Ann got back on her feet for the next two years but during a routine scan in 2015 her doctors discovered the disease had spread had spread to her lung and she had to go through more treatment and surgery.
After Shane saw what his mum went through, he decided to make a lifestyle change, and lost an impressive five stone which led him to embark on a new challenge.
He began running with his school-friend Natasha Pryce, whose mum was also affected by cancer, and together the pair did a 10K run, and then a half marathon.
“I knew I had to take control of my health as bowel cancer runs in my family, so I did something about it,” said 28-year-old Shane.
“I weighed in at more than 19 stone and I couldn’t have even run down the road. Things are so different now I’ve lost the weight – I’m actually bit of a fitness fanatic.”
This year, Shane is running a full marathon in tribute to his mum, who is now 57. By the end of 2018, he hopes that, including his previous fundraising endeavours, he will have raised £5,000 for the Beating Bowel Cancer charity.
As part of this, a Fun Day will be held on March 4 at the White Heart in Headless Cross.
Alongside stalls, a bouncy castle and sweet treats, people can buy raffle tickets with proceeds going to the good cause.
Prizes on offer include signed photos from celebrities Chris Hughes (Love Island), Toff (I’m a Celeb winner) and Jake Quickenden (Dancing on Ice and X Factor)
“I’m looking forward to running the marathon, although it’s a bit nerve-racking to think about,” Shane added.
“But the support we had when mum was poorly was fantastic, so I want to give something back.”
Anyone who wants to host a stall or donate prizes can email [email protected]
