Kingsthorpe man runs London Marathon for charity that got his family 'through the toughest times of their lives.'

Richard Bolch is one of more than 50,000 runners taking part in the London Marathon on April 23 2017, and one of 800 that will be running for MacMillan Cancer Support.

Both of Richard’s parents suffered with cancer. Richard, 35, said, “Through the dark times that both parents went through, they both spoke so highly of the Macmillan nurses at Kettering General Hospital and those that visited them at home to care for them post-treatment. It was a no-brainer to run for Macmillan.

“(Through the darkest times) they helped my family get through the toughest times of their lives and in turn this helped me and my family to cope with the situation. This is a way of me thanking Macmillan for everything they have done for my family, free of charge, and so kindly with so much dignity.”

Richard Bolch’s father was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2008, and started treatment right away. Richard said, “My father was in the same room for 5 months on a semi isolation ward. He had a gruelling course of chemotherapy. My wife was pregnant at the time and my father wanted to be fit enough to push the buggy. It was his motivation and it worked!”

Richard’s father was getting stronger when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Richard said, “It seemed hugely unfair for both of my parents to be diagnosed with cancer. I was angry, but they both just played the hand they had been dealt and got on with it. She battled, as my father did, with huge dedication to getting better. My mother took strength from the many nurses who visited her at home, tirelessly performing the tasks needed.”

The London Marathon is a yearly event where runners test their fitness, endurance and speed, all for charity.

So far, Richard has raised £600 for MacMillian, and has two more fundraising events scheduled this month.

Richard said, “I am really looking forward to the next month and slightly apprehensive about it too. Macmillan have been fantastic throughout and through social media made me feel part of the team!”

Helen Hancock, Regional Challenge Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, said, “We’re so grateful to Richard and all of our Team Macmillan runners taking on the London Marathon this year. By 2030 an estimated 4 million people will be living with cancer in the UK and we want to make sure no one faces this alone. We wouldn’t be able to provide our services without people like Richard taking on these challenges for us. We can’t wait to get out on the course and cheer everyone on as a huge thank you for all their hard work!”

If you would like to donate to Richard’s Just Giving page, please visit www.justgiving.com/Richbolch