Tuesday 6th
February 2018
Paignton Dad completes seven marathons in seven days to support friend with bowel cancer
A super-human effort saw Steve Taylor from Paignton complete seven marathons in seven days over the weekend to help raise funds and awareness of bowel cancer for local charity Bowel Cancer West.
Steve took on the challenge to support his friend Kelly Stabb, a wife and mother of two young boys, who was diagnosed with stage 4 advanced bowel cancer in January 2017.
Kelly is planning to raise £10,000 for Bowel Cancer West to help complete funding for their ‘Young Patients Appeal’ to explore new technology to support those under the age of 40 who have been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Kelly said:
“Being diagnosed was completely devastating but I am so grateful for the medical treatment I’ve received so far. I have researched bowel cancer and learnt a considerable amount about the charities behind the scenes that have played a major part in improving bowel cancer treatment and survival rates and I now have an overwhelming feeling to give something back.”
Steve was so determined to help Kelly with her cause and started his first marathon on the 28th of January setting off from Paignton. After six more gruelling marathons getting up at the crack of dawn to balance a busy job and family life, Steve completed his final 5k on Saturday the 3rd of February along-side Kelly’s son, Jake, who is 10 years old.
An incredible display of determination and willpower saw Steve record 185 miles during his 7 days across the Torbay area to highlight Kelly’s campaign which has now raised over £9,200 thanks to support from the local Torbay community who, like Steve, have rallied around to do their bit.
During his challenge, Steve was joined by lots of friends and family including Kelly who cycled in the freezing cold and rain alongside him for a whole marathon to keep him motivated.
In modest fashion, Steve said:
“Thanks to everyone who’s supported me over the last week; the donations, comments, bike riders, runners and spectators have all made this possible for me. People have been generous saying words like ‘amazing’ to describe what I’ve done, but my decision to do this was based on seeing how amazing Kelly and her family are (+ too much red wine and a big dose of naivety about the exertion required!) What would be truly ‘amazing’ is to do it all over again knowing how much effort it takes!
Please keep donating, the next big event is young Ellie Hulance who is having all her hair cut off this week to raise funds! There are also people doing cake sales...and a summer ball to look forward to, amongst other things. You don’t have to run to raise money, everyone has their thing. I just like a jog...”
Kelly said:
“What Steve has done is incredible and I can’t thank him enough. I hope he puts his feet up now and enjoys a well-earned pint!”
Kelly’s Campaign is still running: Please click on this link and give what you can: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kellystabb.
