Milton Keynes man to run London Marathon for cancer charity in memory of friend

Mark Davies from Milton Keynes is taking on this year’s London Marathon to raise money for leading cancer charity, Penny Brohn UK.

Mark, who has never run a competitive race further than 5k, decided to run the London Marathon for Penny Brohn UK in memory of his friend, Abby Webb, who was supported by the charity when she was diagnosed with an aggressive lung cancer.

To help raise sponsorship, Mark is organising an event with Buckingham Ladies Hockey club on the 23 March when he plans to run from his old hockey club in Milton Keynes to Buckingham Ladies Clubhouse, which is roughly 19 miles. People will be able to place bets on when he will arrive through the door and Mark will be available via live feed during his run to take requests to speed up or slow down. Abby played for the hockey club and many of her close friends still play for the team.

Talking about taking on the London Marathon, Mark said: “When Abby was diagnosed with cancer, Penny Brohn UK was there for her and helped her live as well as possible. For Abby to remain the truly beautiful human she was with the weight of her diagnosis is not only a tribute to her as a person but also to what Penny Brohn UK does in supporting people to live well with cancer.

“When I decided to run the London marathon it was an easy decision to run for Penny Brohn UK. I haven’t run a marathon before but training is going well and I am following a plan, running four to five times a week.”

Emma Gilmore, Head of Community and Challenge Events at Penny Brohn UK said: “We are delighted that Mark is running the London Marathon in aid of Penny Brohn UK and in memory of Abby. All the sponsorship money raised will help us support more people affected by cancer to live as well as possible for as long as possible. A big thank you and good luck to Mark!”

With nearly 40 years’ experience, Penny Brohn UK recognises that people with cancer need more than medicine. Its Bristol Whole Life Approach provides integrated whole person cancer support that works alongside medical treatment to achieve the best health and wellbeing. The approach explores areas such as diet, exercise, relationships and managing stress, through free residential and day courses, one-to-one therapies, groups and national helpline.

Mark is hoping to raise £3000 for Penny Brohn UK; to sponsor Mark visit https://bit.ly/2WYvDg0. For further information about Penny Brohn UK visit www.pennybrohn.org.uk.