Spalding fundraiser to run London Marathon in aid of Bone Cancer Research Trust in memory of best friend’s mum
A runner is getting ready for next year’s London Marathon in memory of his friend’s mum who lost her battle with bone cancer.
Ben Bowler, 38, from Spalding has signed up for the famous marathon in April to raise funds for the Bone Cancer Research Trust and has already reached £1,249 of his £2,500 target.
His best friend Katy Knowles, 46, sadly lost her mum Linda Knowles, 75, to the disease.
Ben is now fitting his training in around his job as a night shift manager at Gist, Pinchbeck, to raise funds for the charity.
He said: “Linda had breast cancer twice and in 2022 she was diagnosed with bone cancer.
“She underwent treatment for this but unfortunately lost her battle in September.
“Having seen the way that bone cancer affected Linda, I chose the charity as I wanted to spread awareness of just how vital charity work can be to finding a cure.”
The Bone Cancer Research Trust ‘aims to fund research into all forms of primary bone cancer, and ensure that information and support are available to patients of all ages.’
Ben has taken part in a number of running events in Luton, Bedford and Peterborough plus the Great North Run and a half marathon in Cyprus.
He hopes to raise more than his intended target and is continuing his training in preparation for the April event by running on his days off and in the mornings when he returns from his night shifts.
He said: “My aim is to raise vital funds and help people out who are suffering.
“I am recovering from a chest infection this week so I'm a little frustrated that I’ve hit a speed bump.
“Training is coming along nicely though and at present this training plan is currently working.”
This will be his first London Marathon in the capital having completed it as a virtual race in 2021 and has raised funds for several charities in the past.
He said: “Ideally I would like to complete the marathon in five to six hours
“I have been adding to the weekly mileage gradually week by week.
“But in all honesty I would just be happy to complete it.”
Visit Ben’s Just Giving page here.
For further details about the Bone Cancer Research Trust visit their website.
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