Durham police officer completed ‘ultra-marathon’ months after beating cancer

A Durham police officer has completed an ultra-marathon named the ‘toughest footrace on earth’, months after completing treatment for cancer.

Sergeant Grant McTaggart was diagnosed with bowel cancer eight months ago. At the time of his diagnosis, he was already training to compete in the Marathon des Sables, a six day, 156 mile run through the Sahara Desert.

After completing a successful course of treatment, Sgt McTaggart decided to return to training and take up his place in the run alongside fellow Durham police officer PC Neil Johnson.

Grant said:

“My diagnosis was a total shock. Competing in the Marathon des Sables has always been a dream of mine, and at the point of my diagnosis I had already secured my place in the race.

“I thought I’d have to defer the place and leave this challenge for another time while I underwent treatment. However, the treatment went smoothly and I felt fit enough to start training.

“To say the event was gruelling is an understatement. It was six days of the toughest running I’ve ever done. Temperatures in the desert reached 50°C during the day, but at night time dipped to 5°C. Dehydration and blisters were recurring problems.

“However, to know that in doing the raise I’d helped raise over £3000 for St Teresa’s Hospice was a great motivator. That and the fact that I had loads of family and friends tracking my progress.”

PC Neil Johnson said:

“It’s one of those events that you read about and see documentaries on and think that would be a memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience. Grant initially suggested entering the event and I agreed to sign up.

“I was so pleased to see Grant come through his treatment and start the race as planned.”

Both officers funded the placed at the race themselves, and have raised money for their chosen charities. Sgt McTaggart raised over £3000 for St Teresa’s Hospice and PC Johnson raised around £1200 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

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