Don’t Tell Me I Can’t… run a marathon!
After her son, Stephen, raised over £5m for charity, Jane was inspired to take on her own big challenge
All around me, crowds clapped and cheered as I hurtled across the finish line. at 50, I’d never imagined I’d be capable of completing the 2015 Virgin money London marathon. But after telling my Stephen I’d run it for him, I had to make good on my promise. now, after gruelling months of training, here I was, exhausted but triumphant.
You’ve probably heard about my son, Stephen Sutton. In 2013, he made headlines after posting a bucket list of 46 things he wanted to achieve after discovering he had incurable cancer.
One of them was to raise £10,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust. At first, I wondered where on earth we’d find the money! But Stephen’s post quickly went viral as his remarkable positivity struck a chord with the nation, inspiring thousands to donate to his cause. Soon, celebrities like Jason Manford were championing him. And, he even managed to get me to agree to run a marathon. ‘I’ll do it one day,’ I vowed.
But, in May 2014, Stephen’s health took a turn for the worse. He passed away as his fundraising page surpassed the £3 million mark, and still the donations kept coming in.
I couldn’t have been prouder of my beautiful, inspirational son and I was determined to continue his legacy. So I got a place with Teenage Cancer Trust in the 2015 London Marathon.
It was only then the prospect of running 26.2 miles dawned on me. On my first training session, my face turned red and I thought my chest might explode. But I persevered, and, by Christmas 2014, I could run 5k (albeit very slowly).
I was working full-time as an NHS financial administrator, but I ran four times a week. It was exhausting, but in the hardest moments, I’d think of Stephen and that would keep me going.
By February 2015, I ran my first half marathon, and then in March I ran 20 miles. Powering past joggers half my age, I felt invincible. Still, as I laced up my trainers on the morning of the marathon, my hands shook with nervous anticipation.
Hearing the klaxon sound on the start line in Greenwich, my heart leapt. Over the next few miles, the race passed in an excited blur as I tried to take in the endless sea of supporters along the route.
Crossing Tower Bridge at the halfway point, I gazed down the River Thames at the HMS Belfast floating on the water.
But, by mile 23, my legs felt like jelly. I managed to carry on and then, as I rounded a corner, I saw the huge sign above the finish line. Suddenly, my muscles burst with energy and before I knew it I was racing across the line. Elated, I felt the tears spring to my eyes – I imagined what Stephen would say if he were here.
It was one of my proudest moments. I’d done my first marathon in six hours! A few weeks later, I handed a cheque for £22,000 to Teenage Cancer Trust. It made the experience even more poignant.
So this year, I’ll be doing it all over again as I take on the 2018 London Marathon – in fancy dress, no less!
After losing Stephen, I’ve realised life is too short. We need to treasure every moment and, just like Stephen did, measure our time not in years but in the things we can achieve. That’s how I intend to live the rest of my life.
‘my SON KEPT me GOING’