One marathon a year might be enough of a challenge for most people but David Allsop is running both the London and Edinburgh events to raise money for Cancer Support Scotland after his fiancee died from breast cancer.
David says he’s running the marathons in memory of Deborah “a unique girl with a glittery personality, zest for life and a devoted love for her family and closest friends”.
Deborah died in November 2012 and this is the third year in a row that David has run a marathon to raise money for charity but the first time he’s taking on two races and the first time he’s chosen Cancer Support Scotland as the beneficiary of his efforts.
David said: “Debs was everything and more to me. My heart had been torn and my head was in pieces. I could never have imagined the heartache and emotional challenges one can go through after losing a loved one.”
He said running and using the services provided by Cancer Support Scotland had helped him through the trauma.
“What stands above the rest is how warm and genuine the staff and volunteers are, whether I’m chatting to them on the phone, speaking to one of their counsellors or popping in for a complementary therapy session at their ‘sanctuary’, the Calman Support Centre,” he said.
“What they provide is invaluable in terms of emotional support and help to individuals who may be living with cancer or have lost someone to cancer.
“By opening up and speaking to a counsellor I feel it has helped me try and make sense of things and learn to cope more and try and move on in my life.
“I have also been lucky enough to have used Cancer Support Scotland’s Complementary therapy services which I have found help reduce the effects of stress and anxiety.
“I have found the Calman Cancer Support Centre a wonderful retreat. You can drop in any time for a chat or if you’re just looking for company.
“That’s why I ask you when I’m running London on April 26 and Edinburgh on May 31, spare a thought for those people who may have lost their life or been affected by cancer and give your support to Cancer Support Scotland.
“Thank you.You can sponsor me online at www.justgiving.com/David-Allsop-for-Debs”