Prison officer from Gedney gives his time and effort for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of mother

A prison officer from Gedney has become a half-marathon specialist in memory of his mum, raising more than £5,000 for charity in the process.

Jake Coe (27) is training for a step up in distance when he takes on the Greater Manchester Marathon in April 2019 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Eleven years ago, Jake's mum Sharon Coe, of Gedney Drove End, was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent four years of treatment after which she was given the all-clear.

But the breast cancer returned in October 2011 and Mrs Coe passed away seven months later, aged just 47, leaving Jake, daughter Abbie and husband Graham.

Jake said: "When my mother was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I was too young and naive to appreciate the severity of the illness at the time.

"However, she wasn't the type to let this get to her and my mother took each day as it came, whilst at the same time maintaining the beautiful smile and sense of humour that everybody had come to love.

"Throughout her time coping with illness, Macmillan played a very important role as they offered her support, informing, befriending and just giving my mother all the reassurance and help she needed or wanted.

"I witnessed first-hand the incredible work the Macmillan nurses do and shortly after my mother died, I ran the Perkins Great Eastern Run half-marathon in aid of the charity.

"With the incredible support of my friends and family, I raised a total of £730 and, since then, I’ve run numerous half marathons and 10k events to support this incredible charity.

"I know that if my mother was still here, she would be pushing me every step of the way and cheering me over the finish line, with a huge smile beaming from her face.”

In fact, Jake's support for Macmillan has extended beyond fundraising to volunteering as a "support buddy" for the charity's South Holland Support Service.

He said: "I was leaving a hospital once and saw a lady struggling to cross the road.

"So I helped her and that’s when I first thought that although I’ve raised lots of money, I don’t actually get to see where that help goes.

"I had a look around and found out about the volunteering opportunities with Macmillan, providing practical and emotional support in the home to people who need a little extra help or perhaps don’t have friends and family nearby to support them.

"I’ve done all sorts of things to help people from cutting grass to pressure-washing a lady’s drive.

"One lady, whose husband has cancer, just wanted me to sit with him for an hour to keep him company so she could get out to do the shopping.

"I really enjoy it as you can actually see the help you’re giving people and just seeing a smile on someone’s face makes it all worthwhile."

Louise Irving, Macmillan's volunteer co-ordinator in Lincolnshire, said: “The support Jake gives to Macmillan is just incredible as not only has he raised thousands through running, but he also gives up his time to provide valuable support to people who need it, on top of his day job.

"We know people affected by cancer in Lincolnshire may live in isolation, or perhaps have limited support from family or friends, so having the support of volunteers like Jake is so important."

To sponsor Jake, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jake-coe26?utm_id=25

Or if you would like to become a Macmillan volunteer, call Louise on 07473 583930 or email lirving@macmillan.org.uk