Running the 2025 Leeds Half Marathon for Dad – and for Mesothelioma Awareness

This year, Roxanne is proud (and emotional) to be running the 2025 Leeds Half Marathon for her dad, who was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in September.

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer, usually caused by asbestos exposure which also lies dormant in your body for up to 40 years without you knowing. It’s devastating—not only because it’s so hard to treat, but because it often isn’t detected until it’s already quite advanced.

For her dad, one of its most brutal symptoms is excruciating pain—something her dad has endured every single day since his diagnosis. For six months, that pain dominated his life. It wasn't just discomfort—it was completely debilitating, stripping away any sense of normality and quality of life. Despite trying everything, we just couldn’t get it under control.  It was incredibly hard to watch someone you love so much suffer like that. Especially when her dad has always been the strongest man she knew.

It wasn’t until he was admitted to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice that things began to change. The doctors and nurses there were truly incredible. They took the time to really understand his pain and were able to find the right combination of pain relief to finally give him some peace. Their care didn’t just ease his physical pain—it gave the whole family a sense of hope again.

Now, with his pain better managed, they are starting to see glimpses of the man they love returning—he’s talking about getting back to doing the things he enjoys, spending more time with family, and finding joy in the moments we still have together.

So, on Sunday, Roxanne will be running not only to raise awareness of this cruel disease, but also to support the kind of care that truly changes lives—like the care he received at Wheatfields Hospice. She wants more families to experience that relief and kindness when they need it most.

Roxanne’s dad is surrounded by the most loving family. He has four daughters, three adoring grandchildren, and the most incredible partner who has never left his side—not even through the darkest and most difficult moments. Together, as a family, they’ve lived through a nightmare, but have also leaned on each other and found strength that they didn’t know they had.

Every step Roxanne takes in the half marathon will be for her dad—for his courage, his strength, and his hope. And if sharing this helps even one more person learn about Mesothelioma or inspires support for hospices like Wheatfields, then it’s more than worth it.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you feel moved to donate, share, or just send some encouragement, it would mean the world to Roxanne and her family.