On 19 April 2026, we — Chris and Lucy Gallagher — will be running the Manchester Marathon in loving memory of Nick Aston, who tragically passed away on 10 October 2024, aged just 45.

Chris and Nick met as freshers at Liverpool University in 1997 and have been the closest of friends ever since. Nick was an incredible person — kind, funny, loyal, and the heart of every room he walked into. His loss has left a huge hole in the lives of his young family and children, his parents and twin sisters, his wider family, and all of us who were lucky enough to know him.

In Autumn 2023, Nick was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. He faced every stage of his illness with immense bravery and courage, fighting for a full 12 months. Sadly, he passed away just over a year after his diagnosis.

We are running this marathon for Nick — to honour his memory and to help others who are fighting their own battles with cancer.

Why The Christie?

We have chosen to support The Christie in Manchester, our local cancer charity and one of Europe’s most exceptional cancer centres.

• The Christie treats over 60,000 patients every year from across the North West and beyond.

• It operates one of Europe’s largest earlyphase clinical trials units, with 300+ trials running at any time.

• Its research has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

While the NHS funds the core services, The Christie Charity goes further — supporting pioneering treatments, breakthrough research, and worldclass facilities that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise. Impressively, 83p of every £1 donated goes directly to patients.

Every pound genuinely makes a difference to people facing the hardest moments of their lives.

How You Can Help

We would be incredibly grateful for any donation you feel able to give. Your support will help The Christie continue its extraordinary work and will mean the world to us, to Nick’s family, and to everyone who loved him.

Thank you for helping us honour Nick — and for supporting the research and treatment that gives families hope every single day.

Chris & Lucy Gallagher