Jarrow dad completes run challenge in memory of family members

A dad has raced through a 52 half marathon challenge - raising more than £3,000 for cancer charities.
Callum Larson who has completed 52 half-marathonsCallum Larson who has completed 52 half-marathons
Callum Larson who has completed 52 half-marathons

Callum Larson was determined to complete his 52nd run by crossing over the finishing line of the Great North Run.

The 25-year-old who started his challenge at the beginning of the year was spurred on in his efforts by the memory of four members of his family who lost their own battles with cancer.

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In one year Callum lost his grandfather Kenny Sayers to prostate cancer, grandmother Margaret Sayers to lung cancer, as well as his grandfather Barney Larson, who had a brain tumour and cancer throughout his body.

Last October his dad Gavin, 48, lost his battle to lung cancer.

Callum, who lives on the Scotch Estate, Jarrow, was supported in his efforts by friends Chris Wright, 50, and Mark Legg, 49, said: “It was the 11th half-marathon I had completed that month as I was playing catch-up.

“To cross the finishing line was a sigh of relief. Knowing I didn’t have to get up and do any more, was amazing.

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“You can’t explain the sense of achievement. Knowing how much money I’ve raised does make me proud.

“Chris and Mark have been an amazing support to me and a massive help throughout it all - I can’t thank them enough.”

Dad of three from Jarrow Callum completed the run in one hour 33 minutes raising £3,200 for Macmillan, Cancer Research UK and the children’s unit at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

To sponsor Callum, go to www.gofundme.com and search for ‘Callum Larson’.