Jeremy Fox - 14/08/46 - 22/08/07

June 2007: As you may, or may not know, my Dad (Jeremy) was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, it was a bit of a shock to us all, he started chemo last week so we'll have to take it day by day to see how he progresses.

I'm running for my Dad this year in the New York marathon in November, I'd like to raise money for MacMillan cancer support as they will be helping my Dad in the weeks ahead, they do a fantastic job and are a great charity that I'm proud to support.

Lots of training to do, please help me reach my goal. Keep viewing this page for latest updates.

Many thanks for your support.

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July 2007: After a week of chemo it was clear that Dad wasn't strong enough to cope with the drug, we felt it was best if he came off chemo and enjoy life without having to go through the struggle of coping with the major side effects. Dad had to go back in to hospital and was put on a drip to get him well again.

After a few days in Warrington General he was back on his feet and back home smiling again.

The 'Jeremy Fox' race!: There is going to be a horse race at Haydock named after my Dad! On Friday 3rd August at 7.10pm, thanks to Jackie Burrows who won the competition, she kindly decided to name the race in Jeremy's name.

Jeremy will be presenting the race winner with the prize too!

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August 2007: Sadly soon after Jeremy presented the prize at Haydock he collapsed and was taken to hospital. He's currently in Warrington General under observation. It seems the concoction of drugs he is on may be to blame. He's very uneasy on his feet now so needs a lot of care. Mum, Chris and I are visiting as often as we can.

14th August: It is Jeremy's 61st Birthday today. We were able to take him out for a bevy in the hospital cafe and let him open his pressies, he seemed quite smiley today although he now can't walk anymore and has had a few falls in the hospital trying to get out of bed.

15th August: Dad has been transferred to St Rocco's Hospice, (Warrington) he's getting all the attention he needs here, the staff are really friendly and the place is really peaceful. We're hoping after an assessment he may be able to come back home again.

Argh! Got an injury, so resting this week (16 Aug), hopefully doing a 10k on Sunday but it depends on how my leg is.

22nd August: Dad passed away peacefully this morning at 9.45am. Mum, Chris and I were at his bedside at St Rocco's Hospice in Warrington. Thanks for everyone's support over the past few months I know Jeremy really appreciated everyone's kind wishes, prayers and thoughts.

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September 2007: Back into the training. Completed the Great Yorkshire Run (10K) in 47 mins, not the best time I've done, but I have had time off, plus I've still got problems with my right leg. Grrr.

Now seeing a physio about my leg, he's given me acupuncture which seemed to have helped, plus a lot of stretches to do to improve my legs. Told me to stop running for a week, so it feels like I'm back to square one!!

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October 2007: Only one month to go! I'm still seeing the physio who's been poking needles into my leg, it's really helped as I'm able to run every day now.

Managed to run to Oldham and back on Sunday which was about 12 miles, hopefully this Sunday I'll run around 18 miles. Legs are feeling stiff but looking forward to the big day now.

Did the 'big one' last weekend, thanks to the support of James' iPod shuffle I did 18 miles through Oldham on to Rochdale. My feet were killing afterwards but I feel more confident that I can make it through.

I'm tapering down now so yesterday did just under 10 miles round Lymm, seeing the sports-physio for a massage tomorrow but will continue the short runs up to the big day.

We leave on Thursday to the Big Apple! Can't wait to do some shopping (oh, and the run) I'm feeling confident and the weather conditions (so far) look good!

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November 2007:  I Did it!! - I managed to get round in 4 hours and 11 seconds! I would have been quicker if it hadn't been for the 'wall' - After the 17th mile I had to slow down because I felt sick and had very achy limbs!

The atmosphere was fantastic, it was definitely the best marathon (so far!) I'd love to do it again sometime.

I'm sure my Dad would have been proud as to what I achieved, thank you so so much for everyone's sponsorship, I've now raised over 2000 pounds for Macmillan - it means a lot to me and my family too.

I'll put some pictures up when I get back (watch this space). I'm now hobbling around New York finishing my shopping :-)

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BIG THANKS:

Thank you to everyone who donated to St Rocco's hospice. Mum calculated the total and you've helped raise over £1000! Many many thanks.

Thanks to everyone who's sponsored me so far, I really appreciate your donations, Macmillan will be chuffed to bits.

Big thanks to Vix for hand making some fantastic greeting cards, all of which will be sold and go towards Macmillan support too! If anyone wants to purchase a greeting card feel free to contact me.

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Updated: 5th November 2007