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Image: Joe Dale
As they take on the London Marathon this Sunday, many of our runners are driven by powerful personal stories and a shared sense of hope. Among them are Joe Dale and Jo Barratt, both running in memory of their dads, and raising funds for our vital research.
Joe's story
Joe Dale's dad David was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma when he was seven years old.
“He battled it for about five years on and off, then he went into remission, which was amazing," Joe says. "But after about two years cancer‑free, we noticed swelling around his neck. The cancer had come back and really hit him hard. I was 13 by then, old enough to understand the possibility of not growing up with my dad.
“He got put into intensive care and passed away on 27 February 2017. For me, losing my dad in my teenage years… it was so tough for us all.
“I find now some of the most challenging parts are actually as I get older. The age I’m at now, 22, is when you look for guidance and support and someone to lead you. I miss him.
Image: Joe and his Dad David
“The thing I loved most about my dad, and miss the most, is how positive he was. Despite all the treatment he was going through, he never once complained. He’d just continue to smile. It’s a part of him I try to take on in my own life.
“That’s why it seems so cruel. It doesn’t matter who you are, cancer can affect anyone. My dad lived such a healthy life, he had so much time for us, and he loved us so much. “Cancer takes the lives of innocent people. It’s heartbreaking. Anything we can do to stop that is so important.
“I want to turn that sadness into something that helps other people who are battling cancer and going through this horrible disease. If doing some running can help and raise money, then I’m absolutely up for it. I want to do Dad proud and raise as much as possible.
“I did some research into The Institute of Cancer Research before I decided to support them. They’ve got some world‑leading research that’s leading to more efficient treatments with fewer side effects. Any charity that supports cancer research is incredible.
“I’ve always been into my fitness, so running appealed to me. Doing a day’s construction work and then coming back and doing a half marathon definitely comes with challenges. But it’s all for such a good cause.
“What gets me through the training is the thought of crossing the finish line and thinking about my dad. Whenever I think I can’t do the training, I just think of him, and it gets me over the line.”
To support Joe visit Joe Dale is fundraising for The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR)
Jo's story
Image: Jo Barratt
Jo lives in south west London with her eight-year-old daughter Maggie. Her Dad David died soon after being diagnosed with renal cancer in June last year.
“I’ve always been into sport, but wouldn’t describe myself as a runner. I did run the marathon 24 years ago but when Dad passed I knew I wanted to do it again, in his honour. This time, it’s to raise money for cancer research and make him proud.
“Dad was snorkelling in the Red Sea seven and a half weeks before he died. He came back with a bit of a cough, was feeling breathless, and it deteriorated very quickly.
“By the time he saw a doctor properly they saw something on his lungs and sent him for further scans and tests.
“He was diagnosed with renal cancer, but it had already spread to his lungs, bones and liver. He died before the proper results of the biopsy came back.
“Dad was a very practical man, which is why I chose to run the Marathon for the ICR. He was a massive believer in science and the power of how that could help people. I read about everything that The Institute of Cancer Research has done, the amazing scientists there and how they're finding new discoveries in-house. It felt like the right charity.”
To support Jo visit Joanne Barratt is fundraising for The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR)