LOCAL TAKES ON MARATHON CHALLENGE
TO HELP PEOPLE LIVING WITH CANCER

Local runner, Jon Matthews, 37, from Lychpit, Basingstoke, has taken on the challenge to run the 2009 Flora London Marathon to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

In October 2008, Jon completed the BUPA Great North Run in Newcastle and the Great South Run in Portsmouth, and raised nearly £1750 for Macmillan Cancer Support. But finishing the Great North and Great South Run events in 2008, is not the end of the challenge for Jon, just merely the beginning of a new one! Jon intends to continue fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2009, by now running in the Flora London Marathon taking place on Sunday 26th April.

Says Jon: “I hope to continue raising as much money as possible to help Macmillan continue their fantastic work providing, medical, financial and emotional support which makes a real difference to people living with cancer. I personally chose to run for Macmillan because my father was diagnosed with a terminal illness in the spring of 2007, to which he sadly passed away later that year. I haven’t forgotten the care and support given to him and my family by the Macmillan Cancer Support staff."

"I do hope that you will consider sponsoring me on my challenge of completing the 26.2 miles around the streets of London. It’s going to be a fantastic challenge and I’m feeling very positive. Its wonderful to know that all the money I raise will help provide vital support to people affected by cancer. A big thanks to everyone who supported me so far in 2008. The money you donate can really make a difference!” He continued.

Every penny raised by Jon’s efforts goes directly to Macmillan, which provides the practical, medical, financial and emotional support and push for better cancer care. As part of Jon’s training in preparation for the London Marathon in April, he will be taking part in the Wokingham, Fleet and Reading Half Marathons taking place in February and March.

Jon also says "There are three times as many people in Britain living with cancer as there were 30 years ago. In fact over a million people have had a cancer diagnosis, and one in three of us will be diagnosed at some point in our lives. Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer, including helping the families of those affected by cancer."

"My father was diagnosed with a terminal illness in the spring of 2007, to which he sadly passed away in the summer of that year. I haven’t forgotten the care and support given to him and my family by the Macmillan Cancer Support Nursing staff. What I did not realise at the time was that the majority of my father’s treatment and care was provided by Macmillan Cancer Support, which is a charity that relies on donations and contributions."

"Family, friends, work colleagues and contractors were very generous and helped raise nearly £1750 in aid of my challenge for the Macmillan Cancer Support. This is tremendous effort by everyone and can bring some real support for the patients and families of those affected by cancer. The money raised so far will help Macmillan provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support."

"But finishing the Great North and Great South Run events in 2008, is not the end of the challenge, just merely the beginning of a new one. I still intend to continue fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2009, by running in the Flora London Marathon taking place on Sunday 26th April."

"I hope that you will consider sponsoring me on my challenge of completing the 26.2 miles around the streets of London. You can pledge your donation by either seeing me in person and signing my sponsorship form, or by forwarding your name/contact details/pledge amount to the following email address: marathonchallenge@btinternet.com."