Lee Doherty running London Marathon as tribute to his sister

Lee Doherty in his CRUK running vest with wife Emma and children Joshua, 12, Megan, 8 and Rhys, 11.

Lee Doherty, from Thornham, Rochdale, will be putting his best foot forward in this year’s London Marathon (VMLM) on Sunday (23 April) and is raising funds for Cancer Research.

Lee is running in memory of his sister Wendy Clarke, 45, who died last August after a two-year battle with cancer.

The 47-year-old is encouraging anyone who already has a place in this year’s event to unite with him in the fight against the disease by joining the charity’s running team.

Lee, hopes that together, they will raise as much money as possible for life-saving research to help more men, women and children in Greater Manchester survive.

He said: “My sister inspired me to take part. She was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma - bile duct cancer in 2014.

“Wendy had a two year battle with various treatments but sadly passed away on 25 August last year. Seeing the effect the cancer had on my sister and how she deteriorated during those two years was really difficult. She’s left behind her husband, Budgie, her three children, Stacey, Matthew and Hannah as well as our parents Brian and Linda, me, my brother Martin and she was only 45.

“This marathon is for her and I hope she’d be proud. I just want to help the charity ensure more people are treated successfully so that other people don’t have to go through what our family has been through.”

Lee is aiming to complete the 26.2 miles inside five hours and raise around £3,000.

Lee, who runs his own plumbing, heating and gas engineering business, L&J Plumbing, added: “The London Marathon is one of the most exciting running events in the world and I’m really delighted that I’ll be part of it for the first time.

“I’ve always kept fairly fit playing squash but I’m not a runner and I’ve found the training quite hard but it’s motivating knowing I’m doing something to help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. I’m coming to the end of my training now and looking forward to the big day.

“My wife Emma and children Joshua, 12, Rhys, 11, and Megan, 8, are all coming to cheer me on.”

A field of around 38,000 competitors, including serious and fun runners, are expected to take part in the marathon.

To sponsor Lee, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/leedoherty69