Marathon man finishes charity run bit by bit

He was proudly completing the final stage of a marathon 26.2 mile walk – but with a difference – it took him nearly a month to complete.

In January, Jerry, 64, from Ansdell, was diagnosed with advanced, inoperable pancreatic cancer.

After three ‘lost’ months following the shock diagnosis, with the support of his GP Dr Morag Sloan at Holland House, district nurses and the palliative care team at Trinity Hospice, Jerry started to get out and about again at the end of April.

While enjoying the fragile new lease of life, he was determined not only to do something to show his gratitude for the support he receives, but also to increase awareness of pancreatic cancer and its symptoms.

At the beginning of May, he decided to do a marathon – not all at once, but a short distance each day – and ask for sponsorship from family and friends.

Money and support flowed in and the marathon proved to be an emotional journey as well as raising more than £5,000 to be shared between Pancreatic Cancer UK and Trinity Hospice.

When he reached the entrance to the surgery, Jerry was greeted by Dr Sloan, staff from the practice and many friends.

Jerry, a retired former manager at BAE Systems in Warton, said: “It was a really emotional moment for me when I walked into the surgery.

“The support I have received has been in excess of anything I could have anticipated – something quite overwhelming – and I am so grateful to everyone who has donated and sent such heart warming messages of encouragement.”

Dr Sloan added: “Pancreatic cancer is more common than many people think and the symptoms so varied that diagnosis can be difficult without a CT scan.

“Early diagnosis is key for effective treatment and for the next month, more information can be found on the awareness display that Jerry has helped us set up at the practice.”

Jerry intends to continue raising funds and awareness and details of how to support him are at /uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JerryCoughlan