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Two residents are set to run marathons in memory of their fathers. Isabel Maccabee and Craig Weatherill are taking on the challenge to raise funds for St Ann's Hospice in Little Hulton, which cared for their dads. Ms Maccabee will be participating in the Manchester Marathon, while Mr Weatherill will head to the capital for the London Marathon.
Both events are scheduled for Sunday, April 27. The pair will be covering a combined distance of 84 kilometres. St Ann's Hospice is rallying support for their efforts, aiming to raise £8,400.
Laura Hindley, events coordinator at the hospice, said: "Isabel and Craig are undertaking a remarkable challenge in running 26.2 miles (approximately 42 kilometres) each. "They are providing St Ann's with fantastic support in raising money for ongoing care for our hospice.
"To thank them for undertaking this impressive feat, we are asking the public to get behind them and help them cross the line by matching their distance in fundraising." Isabel Mccabee (Image: Owen Peters) Ms Maccabee's father, Paul, was diagnosed with cancer in March 2020 and spent his final week at St Ann's Hospice in September of that year. She said: "For us, as a family, that week that he was here was so important because during those months, my mum, sister, and I were very much carers.
"We had a lot of special moments with him, of course, but it felt that we were nurses and every other role under the sun to meet his needs, and make him as comfortable as possible. "I think it is possible to have a good death, and I feel like that is what we managed to have here in this hospice, because they allowed us to take a step back and just be people." Craig Weatherill (Image: Owen Peters) Mr Weatherill's father, Ken, had recurring battles with cancer over seven years.
A brain tumour in 2018 was deemed too dangerous to operate on. He was admitted to St Ann's in autumn 2019 for pain management and was released. He returned in early 2020 due to a chest infection and passed away at the hospice on March 23, 2020.
Mr Weatherill said: "Dad fought everything so well, he always kept going...
St Ann's were truly amazing. "The support from the staff, they were so friendly and professional, but they also felt like family and friends. "After he passed, I felt the need to give back to St Ann's.
"They provided me with the opportunity to run in the London Marathon so it’s a great way to raise money for them." READ MORE: Longstanding Bolton Hospital Cup gets under way again Coronation Street star shares health condition that's 'getting worse every day' Bury athlete Hannah’s high hopes for the World Relays St Ann's will be hosting a "cheer point" for the Manchester Marathon outside the St Ann's Hospice charity shop in Altrincham. Those who would like to take part in cheering Ms Maccabee and other runners on are urged to email events@sah.
org.uk. Supporters can also donate online to Ms Maccabee and Mr Weatherill's individual Just Giving pages.
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