Cancer Research Wales

A Swansea man is taking on a marathon challenge next week (Sunday April 21st) when he will tackle the 26 mile Virgin London Marathon in memory of his dad who died of brain cancer nearly four years ago.

Martyn Simpson, 39, from Llangyfelach in Swansea, is competing in the grueling challenge for Cancer Research Wales after his dad, David, was diagnosed with cancer of the brain in 2009 and given months to live. David died just six weeks later aged 64.

Soon after, Martyn took on the Swansea 10k Run where he raised £1,800 for Cancer Research Wales because of the work the charity does to help find treatments for cancer sufferers such as David. Since then the grocery buyer for Castell Howell Foods has taken part in three 10K runs and two half marathons, but he admits his latest challenge will be his toughest.

Martyn said: “I never used to be the sportiest of people, preferring to sit and watch football rather than play it. But since taking up the running I’ve found it really enjoyable, although I know that the marathon is going to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

“I’ve been training seriously since November, following a rigorous marathon training schedule that culminated in The Human Being Active 20 mile run in Llanelli two weeks ago.

“I feel prepared for the race now, and have well exceeded my target of £1,500, raising nearly £2,500 for Cancer Research Wales – which is the whole point of doing it. I am delighted and also humbled by the encouragement of my work colleagues, friends and family who have all been very generous to such a great cause.”

Cancer Research Wales Charity Director, Liz Andrews said; “It’s supporters like Martyn who give so much of their spare time to training and fundraising, who make all the difference to the charity. All the money raised for Cancer Research Wales will stay in Wales to fund groundbreaking research in hospitals like Singleton and Morriston Hospitals here in Swansea. We wish Martyn, and the rest of our runners, the best of luck with his marathon challenge.”