Everton fitness coach off the mark in 'marathon of marathons' challenge
It's to raise money for Macmillan after his brother was diagnosed with terminal cancer
Last updated 23rd Oct 2023
An Everton fitness coach is officially underway in his mammoth challenge to raise money for the charity supporting his terminally ill brother.
Jack Dowling is running 26 marathons in 26 weeks for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Tom, 36, was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year and tragically, he was recently told that the cancer was terminal.
The challenge is the equivalent distance of running from Liverpool to Berlin.
Jack said:
"In 2022 my brother Tom was diagnosed with cancer, and we will continue to be supported by Macmillan Cancer Support teams throughout his treatment. I want to give back in the best way I know how – running.
"I knew I needed to do something a little bit crazy to make a real impact and, after a few conversations with friends and Macmillan, that is where the ‘Project 26:26’ plans emerged."
Nearly £23,000 has been raised so far, with initial support meaning the fundraising target has been raised to £32,250 - which is the amount it would take to pay for a Macmillan specialist nurse for 26 weeks.
Jack added:
"The response has been really overwhelming. It’s given me a real boost and made me more determined to raise as much money as I can to say thank you.
"It’s going to be a difficult thing to do, mainly in terms of juggling the marathon schedule and recovery around family, work and other commitments. But I have seen first-hand the difference that Macmillan and other support teams, particularly at the specialist centres where Tom’s been treated, are making day in and day out. This is what has inspired me to take on this challenge and to give a little something back."
A host of sporting stars and celebrities have given their support - including boxer Tony Bellew, former England and Liverpool goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis and famous PE teacher Joe Wicks.
The first maratjon in the Project 26:26 challenge fell on Merseyside Derby weekend, with Jack a boyhood blue and Tom a staunch red.
Despite the sporting rivalry, both clubs have thrown their support behind the challenge, which got underway yesterday (Sunday 22 October) when Jack completed the first marathon in Crosby.
Nicole McIlveen, Macmillan's Relationship Fundraising Manager for Merseyside, said:
"We wish Jack the best of luck for his incredible challenge, which will help us support other families affected by cancer.
"Macmillan is almost entirely funded through donations from our supporters, and we can only be there for people thanks to the fantastic efforts of fundraisers like Jack. Cancer is not going anywhere, and Macmillan is needed now more than ever.
"Whether it’s creating new services, adapting old ones or speaking up on their behalf, we are working tirelessly to ensure people with cancer get the vital support they need right now. The money raised from Jack’s marathon of marathons will help us to do that."
Seamus Coleman, Everton and Republic of Ireland captain, said:
"What strikes me about Jack is he is humble, puts himself last, puts all of us before him and is really hard working.
"What he is doing for his brother is inspirational and even if he doesn’t want to talk about it too much or look for too much praise about 26 marathons in 26 weeks he is inspirational and when it is family that is connected you will push yourself that extra bit."