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Great British Bake Off star Steph Blackwell completed a virtual marathon around Mid Sussex in honour of her dad who has cancer.

Steph, 29, who was a finalist in the 2019 Great British Bake Off, took on the virtual Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday with her uncle, John Blackwell, who lives in Lindfield.

The pair set off from the Bent Arms in Lindfield and jogged five miles to the outskirts of Haywards Heath and back.

After a short break, they set off on the ‘Sloop Loop’, an eight-mile run to the Sloop Inn at Scaynes Hill, on to Town Place Garden, past the Bluebell Vineyard.

Great British Bake Off star Steph Blackwell with her uncle, John Blackwell

Steph said this week: “I’m shattered! It was a wet slog but we did it! I ache but I’m ok and in awe of my uncle John who managed it with a fair few years on me!”

During lockdown, Steph received the heartbreaking news that her dad, Roger, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and incurable bowel cancer. His treatment was also delayed for six weeks because of Covid-19 restrictions.

“Probably like every other family that has been affected by this terrible disease, it has been a massive shock,” said Steph.

“We’ve felt it all – fear, anger, frustration, helplessness. But despite this, we’ve tried to remain positive.

Great British Bake Off star Steph Blackwell with her dad, Roger (middle), and uncle, John (left)

“Dad is fighting so hard and we’re in awe of his strength.

“It has also made us determined to help, specifically, raising money to assist the fantastic research projects supported by Cancer Research UK.”

She said she is not sure she has fully processed her dad’s diagnosis properly.

Great British Bake Off star completes virtual marathon in Mid Sussex in honour of her dad who has cancer