2 Marathons for 2 Wilsons

My uncle, Greg Wilson, and I have decided to join forces by running 2 separate marathons for 2 different cancer charities in memory of my uncle, Frank Wilson, and my granny, Briege Wilson, whom we lost within months of each other.

On January 7th 2022 our family changed forever – that’s the day my Uncle Frank received an out-of-the-blue diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma – Bile Duct Cancer. One week later he found out it was inoperable and had spread to his lungs and lymph nodes. As we tried to come to terms with this devastating diagnosis, more bad news came just days later when my Granny Wilson was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.

My Uncle Frank lost his battle on October 28th 2022. My Granny (his mum) died just over a week ago on March 12 2023, again after a brave and very difficult time.

Shortly after my Uncle Frank’s passing, I found out I was selected in the ballot of the 2023 London Marathon (23rd April). My Uncle Greg, who lives in Switzerland, was already signed up for the Geneva Marathon (7th May) a week after London. We thought there would be no better opportunity to raise money for two charities that are so close to our hearts.

Our 2 chosen charities are AMMF – the UK’s only charity dedicated to tackling Bile Duct Cancer, a rare and aggressive form of liver cancer. The second is Marie Curie, whose amazing nurses helped my granny in the final few days of her life. Their support was invaluable to our whole family.

My Uncle Frank was well known in local sporting circles. He was the head of P.E at Our Lady and St. Patrick’s College, Knock and proud manager of Banbridge Town F.C.. Examples of his dedication to sport are endless, including his time as Northern Ireland U18s manager and his involvement in GAA, having played for County Antrim and his club Lámh Dhearg. Sport really was his life and we know that there would be no bigger supporter of this challenge than the sporting legend himself!

So, we would be extremely grateful for any donations as we definitely have a massive feat ahead of us!!

Thank you so much in advance. Any contributions will make such a difference and help these charities carry on all the great work that they do.

Olivia and Greg :)