My marathon run in mum's memory

11:44am Monday 12th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A GREAT Sankey man who ran the London Marathon in memory of his mum has raised more than £3,000 for a cancer hospital.

Andy Cullen, of Chapelford Village, ran the race last month for Christie's Hospital, Manchester, after losing his mother, Margaret, at the age of 53, in December 2006.

The 26-year-old account manager said: "Mum worked at Warrington Hospital as a radiographer all her life.

"She was a loving and caring person, always giving to others and was loved by family and friends.

"I wanted to do something that would generate interest to raise money for Christie's Hosptial and, specifically, the adult leukaemia unit where mum was through her illness.

"She had a rare type of leukaemia and unfortunately didn't respond to treatment."

Andy trained four times a week from November in preparation for the marathon and completed the 26.2 miles in four hours and 27 minutes.

He said: "It was a fantastic feeling when I crossed the finish line.

"It was an amazing experience throughout and an emotional day for me.

"With my mum, the cause, and people's positive words of encouragement on my mind, I managed to keep running all the way without walking, as I knew that I probably wouldn't be able to start up again if I did.

"But I couldn't have done it without all the support I had from friends and family, especially from my nan."

People can still donate to the cause at www.justgiving.com/andycullen.