Man runs London Marathon in memory of late mum

6 hours ago

David is wants his mum Debra's memory to "live on" through his fitness challenge

Salisbury Hospice Man gives thumbs up on a path with grass at the side. He is in running gear. — David is wants his mum Debra's memory to "live on" through his fitness challenge

A man who started running after being diagnosed with cancer is taking on the London Marathon in aid of the hospice that cared for his mother.

David Rice took up running in 2023 after being told he was in remission from Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma.

He is now set to run the 26 mile-route in memory of his mum Debra, who spent time at the Salisbury Hospice in Wiltshire, before her death from stage five kidney failure, liver failure and heart failure, in October 2024.

Rice said he was "determined" to ensure his mum's "memory lives on" and said he was "doing all this for her".

Potholes 'costing blood bike charity thousands'

Driver fined for dumping household waste near tip

Man strangled and controlled ex-partner

"Every single training run, whether it's first thing in the morning or late at night, I am doing all of this with her in mind," he said.

Rice underwent several rounds of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer in 2021.

He has been in remission since July 2022, later deciding to get into running in a bid to restart his fitness journey.

David (left) with his mum Debra and brother Anthony in September 2022

David Rice Two men in suits smiling next to an older woman in a wheelchair — David (left) with his mum Debra and brother Anthony in September 2022

First taking part in Moors Valley parkrun in Dorset, he eventually added longer runs into his schedule.

Eager to challenge himself, he applied for the London Marathon and landed a place for 2025 via the ballot.

Having deferred his place to 2026, he said he now spends much of his time running around the New Forest – where he grew up – and the Bournemouth coastline.

"I appreciate life so much more after everything we have been through as a family, and my own personal battles with illness," he said.

"Life is way too precious and being able to attempt something like this is a blessing and something I am very grateful for," he added.

David took up running during his recovery after Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma

Salisbury Hospice A man in a blue top with a backpack. He is stood in front of railings and smiling in a selfie picture. There is a beach behind him. — David took up running during his recovery after Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma

Inspired by the compassionate care his mum received, Rice decided to use his London Marathon place to fundraise for, and raise awareness of, Salisbury Hospice.

Rice's mum, Debra had been admitted to the Imber Ward at Salisbury District Hospital, before being moved to Salisbury Hospice for end of life care.

Rice said "not a day" had gone by since his mum's death, where he hadn't thought about her.

He said memories of his mum Debra give him "an extra boost" when he needs it most during training.

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.