A father of three from Doddington is taking on the London Marathon to ‘give something back’ to a charity that gave his daughter a ‘friendly environment’ when she was diagnosed with cancer.
Paul Gibson, 43, decided to join ‘Team Teenage Cancer Trust’ as a thank you for the charity’s help when his daughter, Beth, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 15.
During her treatment Beth, now 16, stayed on the charity’s unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. She had to undergo five months of chemotherapy treatment.
Paul said: “Being able to use the charity’s unit provided Beth with a friendly teenage environment that supported and distracted her during her treatment with fantastic facilities, fun activities and a youth support worker, who was just brilliant.
“Even when Beth was at high risk of infection, the Teenage Cancer Trust unit gave her the freedom she needed to socialise, play games and spend time with her family.
“For that I am extremely grateful and wanted to give something back to Teenage Cancer Trust, although no sum would ever be enough to repay their support.”
Paul has been training through the winter and cut out crisps, chocolate and alcohol.
He added: “It has been tough but nothing compared to what Beth has been through and continues to deal with.
“Her 12 night stay in hospital due to the side effects of chemotherapy showed me what an amazingly positive and strong person she is.
“When my legs hurt during training I am always driven to continue by the thought of Beth’s strength during her treatment and how my pain is nothing compared to hers.
“She will be my driving force on the day and I just hope to do her proud.”
Paul, who is a programme manager for creative arts at the College of West Anglia, will be one of 35,000 runners heading to the start line on Sunday April 23. He will be part of a team of 160 runners who form ‘Team Teenage Cancer Trust’. He is hoping to raise £3,000 for the charity.
To sponsor Paul visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/GibboLondon17
If you would like to join the Teenage Cancer Trust team at the marathon call 020 7612 0370 or email challenges@teenagecancertrust.org
For more information about Teenage Cancer Trust visit www.teenagecancertrust.org
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