Tom Relph, land and planning associate director, aims to do six half marathons in each of the Six Nations countries this year to raise much needed funds for the Christie Hospital charity.
His dad Mark sadly passed away from cancer in July last year, aged just 66.
Tom said: “We thought in 2021 Dad had originally won his fight with cancer and was in remission, but sadly it returned in 2023 with more venom and on the July 3rd after a cardiac arrest my Dad sadly passed away. Six months on, and he is still very much missed. In honour of his memory and love of a pint of Guinness at the rugby, I’ve rather foolishly decided to run six half-marathons in the Rugby Six Nations to raise money for The Christie Charity, which gave my Dad all the care and support he needed to originally beat cancer and then further support and care for him once it came back.
My Dad was always there to support me and my brother Oliver as we were growing up and attended every rugby match me and my brother ever played in without fail. This continued as we got older, as there was a time where we both played for Bolton Rugby Club senior men’s teams at the same time and Dad would always come along on a Saturday to watch us and we’d all enjoy a beer or two afterwards”.
As proud England, Sale Sharks and Bolton Rugby Club supporters, Tom and his brother Oliver loved going to watch live rugby with their dad. Their love of the sport occasionally took them to Twickenham where they were fortunate to watch the Six Nations as well as New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
Tom’s wife Anna and their three year old son Bertie will accompany and support him on all of the trips. Many friends will join them along the way with some even taking part in the half marathons with him.
Tom’s first half marathon takes place in Paris on Sunday 3 March and the last will be a homecoming in Manchester on Sunday 13 October where his brother will run alongside him. There will be a celebration with family and friends (and colleagues) after to celebrate the completion of the challenge and to toast and commemorate his dad.
“The Christie is a truly exceptional facility that provided my dad, with the care and support needed to initially beat cancer and later during its unfortunate return.” said Thomas. “My Dad’s sister Deborah was also treated at The Christie, and they gave her some extra time to enable her to see me get married. She unfortunately died from a brain tumour a few years ago but was always a part of our lives growing up as a doting Auntie. So, The Christie really means a lot to our family and hopefully I can raise as much money as possible to support the cause.”
For further information, to make a donation, or to follow Thomas’s journey, please visit: Thomas Relph is fundraising for THE CHRISTIE CHARITY (justgiving.com)
His Half-Marathon dates are: Paris – March 3rd; 2024 Florence – April 7th; Edinburgh – May 26th; Belfast – September 22nd; Cardiff October 6th; and Manchester October 13th.
Everyone at Russell WBHO, Russell LDP and Russell Homes are behind Tom as he takes on this amazing challenge and we’ll provide regular updates throughout the year!
