Elizabeth Murphy and Paddy Cunningham will take their place in the famous race this Sunday to raise funds for Marie Curie
A Northern Ireland drama therapist and her brother-in-law have teamed up to run this year's London Marathon in memory of her late father.
“Paddy suggested doing something in his memory like running a marathon. I had never liked it and preferred walking but I decided doing this would be something to focus on. Elizabeth comes from a large close knit family with three sisters, twins aged 32, and an older sister aged 37. Her dad Sean – a former Translink bus driver and inspector had beaten bowel cancer in 2015 and was in remission.
Elizabeth added: “He gathered all the family in a room and told us the news. It was important for dad to share this news with us all together. It was hard for him to process never mind having to tell his girls and my mum. His favourite Irish country singers were John Glen and Michael English and he used to love listening to Radio Star Country.
“My dad loved to share stories and always loved having a laugh. When dad had the energy I could hear him sharing stories with the nurses and they would be laughing together. Sharing memories and talking of the connections of people they knew and hearing that made me smile. "My dad would have loved us doing the marathon as he loved Marie Curie and it would give him a great story to tell. He loved telling stories and having a laugh. His smile and laugh were infectious and would light up whatever room he was in. I miss him so much.
Paddy added: “I’m so grateful for the care and support the Marie Curie nurses gave to Sean and all the family during the most difficult time.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
London Marathon: MND competitor to take on marathon with ventilatorSam Perkins, who will be pushed in a wheelchair, hopes to complete the race in four and a half hours.
Read more »
Extinction Rebellion plans to flood central London with 28,000 activists during London Marathon weekend'It's going to be more discourse than disruption?' Sky's Home Editor Jason Farrell speaks with one of the co-founder's of Extinction Rebellion on the start of their four day climate protest set to take place this weekend 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602
Read more »
Extinction Rebellion to help guard London Marathon from protestsThis coming weekend was always going to be a tough one for policing in London. First, there's the small matter of around 40,000 runners taking part in the London Marathon.
Read more »
Runners warn Just Stop Oil that London Marathon is the wrong target for protestsCompetitors say the race raises millions of pounds for charity, including many environmental causes, making it an ill-fitting target for green campaigners
Read more »
Just Stop Oil refuses to rule out London Marathon disruption amid weekend of protestsThe climate activists want to pile pressure on ministers to stop issuing oil and gas licences in the North Sea - a demand the government has rejected.
Read more »
London Marathon 2023: Lewes man with terminal brain tumour to run raceDave Evans has undergone an operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy to try and prolong his life.
Read more »