Running to raise money for the hospital staff who cared for me

Phil Clarke is raising money for Nottingham Hospitals Charity to thank the hospital staff who cared for him after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Phil received his diagnosis in January 2021, and underwent a major operation and 12 weeks of chemotherapy at the City Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre.

Later this year, Phil will take on two marathons and two half marathons in four consecutive weeks, to raise money for the hospital staff who cared for him. In his blog, Phil shares his story…

January last year, right at the height of COVID-19, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. During the next 6 months I endured a 7 hour operation and 12 weeks of chemotherapy at both the Queen’s Medical Centre and City Hospital.

This running challenge and the money I make are as a thank you for the brilliant treatment I have had and continue to get from an amazing bunch of people.

The races I am running over consecutive Sundays are the Robin Hood Half Marathon, then the London Marathon, after that it’s the Carsington Half Marathon and then finishing with the Yorkshire Marathon.

I decided to raise money for the hospitals because I know the money will be specifically used in the departments that have helped and continue to help me in my cancer journey.

Running, as well as other sports, has long been something I have done and continue to do. Even through chemotherapy I have managed to keep running which I know has helped me mentally, and while recovering I used this idea as an incentive to getting back to pre-cancer fitness levels as soon as I could.

Training is going really well, I’m following a 16-week training plan, I have run marathons before but not on successive weeks so I know the regime but this is just more challenging on the limbs as there’s very little recovery time, but I’m determined to get through it.

I want to add a sincere thank you to Ollie Peacock, my consultant, who unfortunately has now left the QMC, and all his staff on the oncology ward and the chemotherapy unit at the City Hospital for their great work.

To sponsor Phil as he takes on two marathons and two half marathons later this year, please visit his JustGiving page here.