A retired meter reader from Preston is set to tackle the London Marathon to raise funds for Macmillan.

He chose Macmillan after he lost his mum to cancer, and his partner was diagnosed with the disease.

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Steve Bucknall, from Fulwood, is going that extra mile to prepare for the marathon in memory of his mum, who died from leukaemia when she was just 35.

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The 67-year-old will also take part in the 41^st London Marathon to try and raise £3,000 as a ‘thank you’ for the charity, which supported his partner, Maureen, who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2018.

Steve said: “When my partner, Maureen, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma she spoke on the phone to Macmillan nurses many times and found them all to be so lovely and supportive.

“They were such a great comfort to us both, so re-assuring and helpful and they really took the pressure off us. Macmillan gave her a big lift and we can’t praise them enough.

“That’s why I want to run the marathon and raise as much money as possible so they can continue to support other families affected by cancer.

“I used to play other sports and was never a serious runner but managed a couple of half marathons in the 1980s. I’ve just turned 67 and have been running this last year for health reasons to start with, but then caught the running bug.

“Last year I ran the Preston Guild Wheel 21 miles twice, so I’m confident I can go the distance and try and raise as much funds as possible for such a worthwhile cause. And I’d like to thank everyone – my family, friends and fellow members of Fulwood Bowling Club – for all their support and generous contributions.”

Macmillan is the official 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon Charity of the Year, which will take place on Sunday, 3 October, with around 100,000 runners on the traditional course from Greenwich to The Mall.

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Lisa Martin, Macmillan’s Senior Fundraising Manager for Lancashire, added: “At Macmillan, we know our work relies on the fundraising of our extraordinary supporters like Steve, who are willing to go that extra mile – or 26 miles in this case – to raise the vital funds that enable our services and healthcare professionals to do whatever it takes to support those affected by cancer.

“Macmillan is working tirelessly to do whatever it takes for people with cancer at a time when disruption caused by Covid-19 means demand for the charity’s services is high, while its income is down.

“Nearly all of Macmillan’s funding comes directly from donations, so it’s never been more important for people like Steve to run a marathon, host a coffee morning or Brave the Shave, and raise vital funds to ensure Macmillan can continue to deliver the services that people living with cancer desperately need, now and in the future.”

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