Lily Runs Ipswich Half Marathon in Memory of Grandad

Lily is running this year's Ipswich Half Marathon with her fiancé Evan, cousin Alexandra, and her partner Richard.

They are running together in memory of Lily's grandad, who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in September 2023, and sadly passed away in April of this year.

A farmer and family man, Ivan took his diagnosis on the chin.

"He was humble, and would work from early morning into the late evening; he taught us the value of dedication, resilience, and kindness, to teaching us daily life skills...He would never ask for anything, but would do anything for anyone, which was reflected in the number of people at his funeral."

He powered through his treatment with a brave face, "putting the family's feelings first", not once complaining or showing that he was in pain.

After struggling to have a baby for 3 years, Lily fell pregnant, and gave birth to her son this February, just in time for Ivan to meet his first great-grandson.

"He managed to visit when my son was first born and have a cuddle, but the last photos I have of them together was my son lying next to Grandad on his hospital bed, a very treasured moment, as he passed away a week later."

Lily is running to raise money for Ochre, the Oesophageal Cancer Charity, but also to raise awareness of the illness, as it often goes unnoticed until it is too late.

"Every step we take in this marathon will be for my Grandad, and for the many families who are going through the same heartbreak that we did."