For the second time, Geraint Davies will be running a gruelling 26.2 miles as he faces the London Marathon this April in honour of his father-in-law, Charlie who died of lung cancer in 2017.
“Charlie is a huge inspiration for my running journey and when he passed away, I wanted to honour him, so in 2019 I ran the Edinburgh Marathon for Roy Castle, now it’s time for London.
I’m returning back to basics, taking my training from ‘how to run your first marathon.’ When I ran Edinburgh, my training was very unstructured, this time I want to do it right.
It’s important to keep it consistent but also to remember that life can take over, so missing the odd training run isn’t something I’m going to stress about.
I’m really excited to be running the London Marathon. Having previously watched it on the telly the thought of being part of it this year gives me goose bumps.
It’s such an iconic race and I can’t wait to be part of it and feel the adrenaline and excitement come race day. I think the feeling of running the final stretch down the Mall and crossing the finish line will stay with me for forever.”
Why I’m running the London Marathon
“I met my beautiful wife Rachel in Australia in 2010 and we got married in 2015. I gained Charlie and his wife Kath as my in-laws, and Rachel’s two older sisters Julia and Diane. In 2021 Rachel brought into this world my wonderful son Wyn, who will turn two just before I complete the London Marathon.
Charlie has always inspired me, he loved life and always lived for his family. When he was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2014, we were all shocked.
Despite having lung cancer, Charlie never let it phase him, he underwent 24 rounds of chemotherapy and even took part in a new immunotherapy drug trial, Nivolumab, without a single complaint. He was incredibly brave and always remained positive.
Charlie was so dear to us all and is sorely missed. It’s because of him and his immense bravery that I run to raise vital funds for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and the work they do for patients and in raising awareness of the disease.
To support Geraint, visit his Just Giving page here.
