Running the 2023 London Marathon was a deeply meaningful and challenging endeavour for me, Andy Hook, the founder of Hang Framing Ltd. In this blog post, I will share my personal experience running the marathon in memory of my friend and uncle while raising funds for Cancer Research UK. Join me as I recount the motivation behind my journey, the obstacles I faced, and the incredible support I received along the way.
Last year, the devastating effects of cancer hit me hard as I witnessed the lives of two remarkable individuals, Jamie and Steve, cut short by this merciless disease. Jamie, a close friend, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer during lockdown and sadly passed away around the same time last year, leaving his wife and young daughter behind. My uncle, Steven, who had been a fit and avid distance runner, who had run London Marathon multiple times, also succumbed to lung cancer at the end of the year. Their untimely loss left me questioning the senselessness of cancer's indiscriminate nature.
It therefore made sense to run London Marathon and raise funds for Cancer Research UK. I wanted to contribute to their groundbreaking research efforts, striving to find new treatments for this devastating disease. Moreover, this journey served as an opportunity for me to transform my own lifestyle, becoming a healthier and more active dad to my two precious girls.
Embarking on this marathon was no easy feat. Starting from ground zero in terms of fitness and battling several long-term injuries added an extra layer of difficulty to my training regime. However, fueled by my determination and the memory of Jamie and Steve, I persevered. Every step I took during training represented a step towards a better future in the fight against cancer.
The day of the London Marathon arrived, and with it came a whirlwind of emotions. As I stood among thousands of participants, I felt an overwhelming sense of camaraderie and purpose. The cheers of the crowd and the support from my loved ones fueled my determination to push through every mile. Despite the physical and mental strain, I crossed the finish line with a time of 3 hours and 43 minutes, an achievement that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I am immensely grateful for the generosity and support of those who made donations towards my cause. Together, we raised an incredible £3161.25, for Cancer Research UK. These funds will contribute to life-saving research initiatives, bringing hope to those affected by cancer and paving the way for a brighter future. To all the donors who believed in me and this cause, I extend my heartfelt appreciation.
Running the 2023 London Marathon for Cancer Research UK was a life-changing experience that allowed me to honour the memory of Jamie and Steve while making a tangible impact in the fight against cancer. Through the support of my family, friends, and the wider community, we rallied together to raise funds that will contribute to the ongoing research and development of treatments. As the founder of Hang Framing Ltd, I am proud to have embarked on this journey and grateful for the opportunity to share it with you. To learn more about my business, please visit our website at www.hangframing.com. Together, let us continue to champion the fight against cancer and support the invaluable work of Cancer Research UK.
