Running the Marathon in memory of Mum – Daniel’s story

Image: Daniel Davidson with his dog and training partner, Maisie. Credits: Daniel Davidson

It all happened so quickly. Mum got ill, then diagnosed with gall bladder cancer and just five months later, she died. It was during lockdown, and it was very hard to process. I had to go and do an offshore survival course for work the day after she died, because I made a promise to her that I’d carry on.

My mum was an amazing lady who loved her family. She spent her days caring for adults with learning disabilities. She’d always put her own life on hold to help others - she was just that kind of person. Mum touched the hearts of so many and will be forever loved and missed by us all.

Image: Daniel Davidson's mum Amanda. Credits: Daniel Davidson

Remembering and celebrating Mum

I’ve always been active and played team sports. I also coach kids’ rugby, but I’ve never liked running. I’d always see people running down the street and think they were crazy!

I wanted to do something that not only pushed me out of my comfort zone but remembered and celebrated mum. Running the London Marathon for the ICR is a tough challenge for me, but it means I’m raising money towards research that will help other people going through cancer.

Training at sea

I work on an oil rig in the North Sea two weeks at a time, so training has been a juggle. When I’m at home, my dog Maisie is my training partner. She’s great company and spurs me on as she never seems to get tired!

When I’m out on the rig I have to train on a treadmill, which can get a bit tedious. But my colleagues have been supportive.

I’ve raised almost £2,000 so far. My wife, Amy, has been incredibly supportive. She organised a Zumbathon with over 50 people which raised over £600, and she ran a raffle where local businesses donated. Amy’s been my rock since mum died.

Supporting the ICR’s research

I’m proud to be running for the ICR. They do so much work to slow cancers down and find better treatments. And it’s not just one type of cancer they’re working on, but the whole spectrum. I wanted to raise money for them because they’re doing so much to educate and train the next generation of scientists as well.

On the day of the Marathon, Amy will be there cheering me on alongside my three children, Charlie, Amelia and Henry. I don’t think I’ve mourned mum’s death properly yet, so it’s going to be an emotional day.

To support Daniel, please visit his fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/runningformum2022

Applications are now open to secure one of our charity places to run the 2024 London Marathon on Sunday 21 April 2024. Join #teamICR for the next London Marathon and help more people survive cancer

Find out more