Bourne runners to tackle London Marathon and Paris Marathon in memory of cyclist Timmy James for Young Lives Vs Cancer charity

Marathon runners are set to hit the streets of London and Paris in memory of a talented young cyclist who died from a very rare cancer.

Tim James was well on the way to his dream of becoming a professional rider, having impressed on the continent during a season with an Italian team.

The Bourne rider joined the SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling team back in Britain, but was then diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer and died in May 2021, aged 23.

Tim’s sister Georgie completed the London Marathon in 2021 and 2022, and this year heads off through the Channel Tunnel to take on the Paris Marathon on Sunday, April 7.

She will be raising money for the Young Lives vs Cancer charity. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/page/georgie-james-1705260633486

“Thankfully I’ve had no injuries this year, so hopefully it all goes well and the weather plays ball,” said Georgie.

“I would love to go around the 3hr 20 mark, but we’ll see. Anything can happen on the day!”

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In 2022, Georgie was joined at the start line in London by Mark Botteley, Tim’s former coach at Bourne Wheelers, with whom he developed his love of competitive cycle racing.

Mark is heading back to the capital to take on the famous marathon on Sunday, April 21, and will also be running for the second time for Young Lives vs Cancer in Tim’s honour. This time his fundraising target is £2,500.

“When cancer struck, Tim fought the disease with the same tenacity that he raced his bike,” he said.

“As his condition deteriorated, Young Lives were invaluable and did the most amazing job in making the most challenging of times for Tim and his family as bearable as possible.”

Mark added: “Training has been a bit hit and miss with a couple of little niggles over the last few months.

“But hopefully I should have a clear run through to race day and I'm hoping to beat my time of 3hr 43mins from 2022.”

To sponsor Mark, visit www.justgiving.com/page/mark-botteley-1711570747626

Mark also organises an annual memorial race, near Bourne, as his main fundraiser, with a good field once again expected this year.

The next Timmy James Memorial Race - a national level race - is set to take place on Sunday, May 5.