Cancer dad’s marathon challenge
A Sunderland dad with incurable cancer has run a half marathon as part of his training for a bigger challenge later this year.
Dad-of-three Chris Johnson from High Barnes was sadly diagnosed in December 2019 with a Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), a rare form of cancer which affects the digestive system.
Chris had the tumour removed in January last year, however, it had already spread to his liver and doctors confirmed eight months ago that his condition is incurable.
The 41-year-old decided that he wanted to challenge himself with what time he has left and boost the spirits of his wife Lucy and their three young children Luke, eight, Molly, seven and Nancy, four.
Chris has set his sights on running the London Marathon in October and just two months into his training, he has completed a half marathon on April 27.
He said: “I recently had a scan and it showed that my medication is working in terms of keeping everything with the cancer stable, so I decided to ramp up my training as I feel fit and well.
"It is only my second month of training so I’m pleased with how it is going so far, by the end of April I will have ran well over 180km.
"It was just great to get out in the sun and when you run 13miles around Sunderland, you get to see quite a bit of the city.
" I got to see Seaburn and Roker for the first time in over a year.”
Chris is running the London Marathon on behalf of Children with Cancer UK and has so far raised over £6,000 – well over his original £3,500 target.
He added: “The fundraising support has just blown me away, there has been a massive local effort which is amazing to see.
"My heart breaks every time I hear of a child battling cancer so if I can use my story to raise awareness then I am more than happy to do that.
"Strangers who have donated are coming up to me and offering their support when they see me, I can’t thank everyone enough.
You can follow Chris’ journey on Twitter @ Gotthegistofit and if you wish to donate to his fundraiser, then you can do so at uk.virginmoneygiving.com