Angmering boy runs two marathons for Cancer Research UK, smashing his target distance

Jacob had set out to complete one marathon in January, as his beloved great-grandad, Andrew Bence, died of cancer at Christmas and he wanted to do something to help others who are suffering.

Jacob celebrated his birthday on New Year’s Day and decided that day he wanted to raise money for charity. He set a target of 26.2 miles in January, broken down into shorter runs, with his mum, Abi Bence.

Jacob announced: “I’m running a marathon in a month for Cancer Research UK in memory of my great-grandad. My great-grandad died on December 23 from horrible lung cancer and I want to help raise money so other people can be saved.”

Abi said she was very proud of her son, who eventually completed not just one but two marathons in the month.

She said: “Jacob did an amazing job. The poor boy is absolutely thrilled with his success. He completed a total of 90km and for his last run on January 31, he did a whopping 13km in one go.

“His fitness has gone through the roof, considering during the second lockdown, he did Couch to 5K for the first time.”

Abi’s beloved grandfather died after a three-year battle with cancer. On his birthday, Jacob decided he wanted to do something to raise money for Cancer Research and set himself a challenge of running a marathon (42km) over the course of January.

By halfway through the month, he had run 36km and raised £565. He completed his first marathon on day 18 but said he was not finished by any means and would carry on and go for the double marathon.

By the end of January, he had done 90km and raised more than £1,200 – plus with Gift Aid, the total has been taken over the £1500 mark.

Abi said: “We as parents couldn’t be prouder that such a young boy wants to make his grandad proud, while raising money for such an amazing charity.

“Jacob was very emotional on the day when I think of the realisation hit him of what he had achieved and the fact he was done it all for his beloved grandad.”

Visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/jacobs-marathon-month-challenge-fundraising-page to support Jacob and make a donation.