Blofield man’s marathon challenge in memory of his wife

Sara Wilson (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2009)

Kirk Wilson, 44, who lives in Blofield, lost his wife, Sara, in 2008 after a seven-year battle with mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, a cancer in the cartilage of the spine.

Mr Wilson applied to run the London Marathon for Cancer Research UK last year but he had to defer his place after undergoing surgery on his knee.

'It was devastating,' he said. 'The marathon is something I have always wanted to do, it has been on my bucket list.

'My daughter lost her mum when she was 10 and I want to make her proud.'

In 2011, Mr Wilson and his daughter, Ellen, who is now 15, created the Braydeston 5K race, to raise money for Cancer Research.

'I would go along to Race for Life and support Ellen and then I started to take part in a few 10Ks and other races,' Mr Wilson said.

But, frustrated that they could not run together, the pair created the Braydeston 5K, a charity fun run in aid of Cancer Research.

'There's a place where I used to run and thought it would make a great finish line. We held the race in 2011 and again last year. People said that, because the race was held on a smaller scale compared to Race For Life, it felt more personal.

'Ellen loves getting involved with the race and she's looking forward to the marathon.'

Mr Wilson, who is aiming to raise £2,000, estimates that he and Ellen will have raised close to £10,000 for the charity by the end of the year.

Mr Wilson, who lives with his wife, Felicity, and three children, Ellen, Harvey, seven and Abigail, six, said: 'It's all in Sara's memory and my friend, Sue Overy, who passed away recently. When I have my dark moments, I will be thinking about them. I will be looking forward to seeing the finish line.'

To sponsor Mr Wilson, visit www.justgiving.com/kirk13

Are you taking part in a challenge in memory of a loved one? Contact reporter Lucy Wright on 01603 772439 or email lucy.wright@archant.co.uk