My uncle's passing inspired me to continue moving forward

A man who is running 12 marathons this year in memory of his mother, who died from pancreatic cancer, says the sudden death of his uncle from the same illness strengthened his determination.

Peter Dunlop, 40, from Taunton, Somerset, set out to complete a marathon each month as a tribute to the time he had with his mother, Jane, 63, following her diagnosis. Midway through this journey, his uncle was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away just a week later.

"His death was a shock, but it pushed me to keep going, for him, my mum, and everyone affected by this devastating disease," Mr Dunlop explained.

To date, he has run over 1,000 miles across six countries, raising more than 24,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK. He plans to finish his final marathon this Sunday.

Mr Dunlop began his marathon year in Pisa, Italy, a place that held sentimental value as the location of his parents last holiday together before Jane passed away in 2017. "The rain was relentless, it was freezing, and my wife was my only supporter," he recalled. "But remembering my mum, along with the generous support and encouraging messages, kept me going."

Since then, he has completed marathons in Wales, Scotland, the Netherlands, France, and the Czech Republic. "Some days its hard to even get out of bed, but this challenge is about raising awareness," he said.

"Most people dont survive more than three months after a diagnosis; my mum was one of the fortunate ones." Pancreatic cancer remains the deadliest common cancer, with survival rates at around 7% for the last 30 years, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Mr Dunlop hopes his efforts will contribute to research for a new breath test that could detect pancreatic cancer earlier. "Every bit helps. Even if survival rates only double, it would be a major breakthrough. Thats why I keep running."

Author: Natalie Monroe