On 10 May 2026, I will be running the Copenhagen Marathon to raise money for Wirral Hospice St John’s, in memory of my partner’s best friend, Tighearnán.

In October 2025, Tighearnán was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Stage 4 bowel cancer. He faced everything that followed with exceptional courage and strength, but after a truly heroic fight, he sadly passed away in February 2026 at the age of 29.

Tighearnán leaves behind his beloved wife Ellie, their beautiful one-year-old daughter Ailbhe, his family, and a wide circle of friends.

Wirral Hospice St John’s relies entirely on charitable donations and fundraising to continue providing its vital care. I didn’t originally have a charity place for this race, but when we visited Tighearnán at the hospice and he expressed his wishes to fundraise for them, I mentioned that I could run the marathon in order to do so. Tig had hoped that fundraising like this could help give something back to the hospice, even suggesting that a coffee machine be bought for the staff who give so much of themselves every day.

During our time at the hospice, we witnessed first-hand the compassion, dignity, and empathy shown by everyone there — from the reception team to the nurses, doctors, and support staff. The care they provided not only to Tig, but to all of those who loved him, was nothing short of exceptional, and supported those closest to him through the hardest moments with kindness, warmth, and humanity.

This run is for Tighearnán. It’s for Ellie and Ailbhe. And it’s for the incredible people at Wirral Hospice St John’s, whose work depends entirely on the generosity of others.

Any donation, no matter how big or small, would mean the world and will help ensure the hospice can continue caring for patients and families when they need it most. Thank you for helping us honour Tig’s memory and wishes.