Last January, my Dad, John Dobson, was diagnosed with lung cancer, which rapidly spread through his body, before he went under the care of LOROS hospice, who are a local charity in Leicestershire and Rutland that provide free care and support for terminally ill patients. While he was under their care, I promised my dad I would run a marathon in memory of him. Having not regularly exercised since school, we both knew that this would be a challenge, but one that would be extremely fulfilling and for a great cause. He suggested that I run it in Stockholm - the place where my Dad ran his marathon roughly 17 years ago to the date. I thought that this would be a very fitting way of remembering him.
Fast-forward over a year, my friends (James, Henry, Aaron, Oisin) and I are going to follow in his footsteps and run the Stockholm marathon, with the aim of raising money for this truly incredible charity who took great care of my father in the last month of his life, as well as also raising money for MacMillan to further the excellent work that they do for cancer patients in the UK. I was fortunate enough to experience the truly loving support that LOROS extended to my family and friends during this difficult time, and understand the many great things that charities such as LOROS and MacMillan have done to support cancer patients and their families throughout the UK.
We’re going to give this marathon our best shot, no matter how slow or fast that may be, and complete it in memory of my father, John, and everyone else that has lost loved ones to cancer in recent years.
1st of June, Stockholm, I am going to proudly wear my dad's medal next to mine and my friends.
This is for you, Pops.