A man from Cambridgeshire has completed a year of marathons and other running challenges to honour a promise he made to a friend who died of brain cancer.
Ross Paterson, 42, undertook the challenge after deciding with friend, police officer Steve Holbrook, to run from London to Paris together, after completing the Paris Marathon together in 2013 (pictured below). However, Steve died of a high-grade glioblastoma brain tumour three years later, aged 37.
Ross said: “Steve became too poorly to do any more running. I made a promise to him that I’d do an epic challenge. He had a huge presence in the community, and I decided to use his work collar number to help continue his legacy.”
“Whenever I’ve struggled, I thought of Steve and always at that time his favourite song comes across my headphones and I’m spurred on by Jump Around by House of Pain.”
Ross’ challenge began with the Rome Marathon in March last year, and has continued to include three marathons, nine 10Ks, and five half marathons – ending with the Milton Keynes Half Marathon on Sunday 16ᵗʰ March.
Having completed the run, Ross explained: “It was an emotional roller coaster. I feel incredible knowing that I have completed my promise to Steve of a 'crazy challenge', and overwhelmed with the funds I have raised for such an incredible charity!
“My Achilles is knackered and my calf muscle is in bits, but the feeling of pride I have pales the pain into insignificance. I’ve raised £3,450 and really hope I can add more to the fundraising to complete my year of this epic challenge.”
You can add more to Ross’ fundraising total through his Brain Tumour Research JustGiving page.
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