Chorley family notch up 168 miles between them to raise £2,500 for Cancer Research

Ed Watkinson, wife Gill and three kids Harry, 10, George, 8 and Louis, 6, have thrown themselves full pelt into the Run 56 challenge for Cancer Research UK.

The challenge encourages participants to raise money by running two miles every day in February.

Ed, 39, and Gill, 46, who live near Croston, both braved atrocious weather and notched-up their respective 56 miles each.

They encouraged their three young sons, who are all pupils at Balshaw Lane Community Primary School, to share the 56 mile tally between them, completing 19 miles each.

However, their youngest son, Louis is now determined to complete the entire 56 mile challenge himself in tribute to his uncle Stuart Collier.

Despite being super fit and sporty, Stuart faced a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer in the midst of the pandemic in May 2020.

The dad-of-one, who was married to Ed’s sister Michelle, bravely fought the disease receiving gruelling treatment at The Christie in Manchester.

Stuart, who worked as a surveyor and lived in Euxton, died in December of last year just days after son Hugh’s third birthday.

Ed and his family had originally hoped to raise £150 and have been blown away by the support they have received.

Ed, who works for the LADbible group, said: “We absolutely never dreamt we would raise this amount of money.

"But are thrilled as we know Stuart would have been encouraging us every step of the way.

"The kids have done a brilliant job of fitting in the running after school and in between clubs. Gill was never a runner, so she’s done amazingly well.

"Louis has proved to be an absolute super star and is determined to keep going throughout March until he has completed the 56 miles.”

To sponsor the Watkinsons visit their fundraising page: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/edwards-run-56-giving-page-1

Cancer Research UK Race for Life 3k, 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events will be held at Preston’s Moor Park on Saturday June 11.