A WARRINGTON man is taking on the London Marathon in honour of his wife’s ‘larger than life’ granddad who sadly died of cancer earlier this year.

Before signing up to the marathon a few months ago, Mikey Hoszowskyj had never run further than 10km.

But Mikey, who is the son-in-law of presenter and actor Kym Marsh, was determined to do something in Dave Marsh’s honour and to continue his legacy of raising awareness of prostate cancer.

So within a few weeks of losing Dave, Mikey signed up to the London Marathon and joined Prostate Cancer UK’s squad of 190 runners who are aiming to raise around £375,000.

He will be proudly wearing the charity’s iconic Man of Men in the iconic event.         

Alongside Kym, Dave did a lot to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Although when he was diagnosed with the condition in 2021 it was sadly at the incurable stage, Dave and his family were determined to reach as many men as possible – urging them to get checked early and to take that all important first step of a PSA test.

He appeared with Kym several times on BBC’s Morning Live to raise awareness of the illness which is very often symptomless in its early stages.

Remembering Dave, Mikey, 31, said: “No matter how ill he was, he would make the day lighter and brighter.

“He was a larger-than-life character; he was loved by so many people.

Warrington Guardian: Mikey with his children Polly and Teddy

“Even this Christmas, when he was so ill, he came round on Christmas Day to give the kids their little cards and presents.

“He still made time, to use all his strength to see the family. It’s a testament to the man he was.

“He wanted to be there that Christmas, knowing it would probably be his last.

 “He was the head of the family, a figure head.

“People would look to him for comfort and advice. He may not have been the tallest guy, but he was definitely a giant of a man.”

Mike’s wife Emilie will be at the London Marathon supporting Mikey with both of their children, Polly and Teddy.

She will also be joined by family and friends, with the whole clan wearing specially designed shirts in honour of Dave.

Emilie said: “So many of the family will be there and supporting Mikey and Prostate Cancer UK. My granddad was such a guy, that everyone wants to come and support whether he is with us or not. I’m going to be so proud of Mikey.”

Emilie added that her mum Kym is proud too and of course her grandma, Dave’s wife, Pauline.

She added: “It meant so much to grandad to raise awareness, for someone to step up in the family and pursue what my grandad started, it’s just so great.”

Warrington Guardian:

Chris Jarrett, director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK said: “We’re so grateful for the support of Mikey and the Marsh family, who have for many years selflessly raised vital awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and an early diagnosis can save your life.  Dave’s story illustrates just why more men need to be aware of the risk of prostate cancer. Men are at higher risk if they are over 50, Black or have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer. Anyone with concerns should visit the charity’sonline risk checker.”

“Mikey and our amazing cast of 190 runners from across the UK are a brilliant demonstration of people coming together against prostate cancer. They’re taking part in one of the most iconic events this country has to offer, and each one of them is doing their bit to fund more ground-breaking research and work towards a screening programme, to catch prostate cancer early and save lives.

“Good luck to Mikey and all our runners on Sunday and we look forward to celebrating with him at the finish.”

Sponsor Mikey at https://www.justgiving.com/page/davidmarshmemorial