A Worcester man will get his running boots on as he takes on the London Marathon in honour of his nine-year-old daughter battling cancer.

Dave Fletcher, 44, from Claines, is participating in the 26.2-mile marathon to raise funds for Children with Cancer UK, a national charity dedicated to fighting childhood cancer.

Mr Fletcher, who will take on the challenge on Sunday (April 21), was inspired by his daughter, Isobel, who was diagnosed with Leukaemia just three days before her second birthday.

 

 

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Since then, Isobel has had cancer three times and is currently undergoing CAR T-cell therapy, a treatment designed to target cancer cells more quickly and cause fewer side effects.

Mr Fletcher said: "For somebody so small, Isobel has been through so much at such a young age.

"Running the TCS London Marathon in support of Children with Cancer UK is my way of giving back for the hope they continue to provide.

Malvern Gazette: Izzy is pictured with her parents Vicky and Dave and siblings Freddie and Sophie after she rang the

"Our shared vision is a world where every child and young person survives cancer."

This is the second time Mr Fletcher will take part in the event.

He has already surpassed his fundraising target of £1,000, with contributions totalling over £1,500.

Over 1,300 runners will attempt the marathon this year to raise funds for Children with Cancer UK after £2.3 million was raised last year.

Paula Radcliffe MBE, a former marathon world record holder and ambassador for the charity, said: "The London Marathon is such a special event and I’m always so impressed with the team of runners representing Children with Cancer UK."

Senior sports events manager, Yvonne West, said: "We’d like to thank Dave and every single runner who is taking part in the TCS London Marathon this year for Children with Cancer UK.

"Their unwavering dedication, determination and willpower is incredibly inspiring and their fundraising efforts will help us continue to fund ground-breaking scientific research into the treatment and causes of childhood cancer, and provide crucial ongoing support for young cancer patients and their loved ones."

Childhood cancer survival rates have improved over the past 50 years: more than 8 out of 10 children diagnosed with cancer in the UK now survive.

However, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death for children and young people, with approximately 4,200 new cases each year.

To contribute to Mr Fletcher's efforts, visit Children with Cancer UK: London 2024 for Children With Cancer UK (enthuse.com).