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Press release posted 24 September 2024
As a tribute to his dad's love for rugby, and their shared enjoyment of the Six Nations at Twickenham, 37-year-old Thomas Relph from Bolton decided to undertake a monumental challenge – running not 1 but 6 half-marathons in the Rugby Six Nations 2024 countries to raise funds for The Christie Charity.
Thomas’s first half-marathon took place in Paris in March, followed by Florence, Edinburgh, and Belfast, with the next one coming up in Cardiff on Sunday 6 October 2024 and the final half-marathon will be a special homecoming run in Manchester on Sunday 13 October 2024.
In July 2023 Thomas lost his dad, Mark Relph to cancer. Working in the family business as a funeral director since the age of 16, Mark was first diagnosed January 2021 with colorectal cancer and underwent a number of surgeries, combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
In October 2021, Mark had major surgery to remove the cancer and was given the all-clear towards the end of 2022. Unfortunately, the cancer returned at the start of 2023. He had further chemotherapy in July 2023 until he had a stroke and cardiac arrests and sadly died aged 66.
Thomas works in land and property for Manchester-based Russell Homes and Russell WBHO and through his recommendations they have given a Christmas donation to The Christie Charity for the last 2 years in memory of Thomas’s dad Mark.
Thomas himself wanted to do something to honour his dad’s memory in a unique and inspiring way, as he explained: “Since Dad was diagnosed with cancer, I always wanted to do something to try and raise some money for The Christie Charity, but COVID-19 and a new-born son meant time soon got away from me. After he died, I felt I needed to do something for The Christie as they cared for my dad so much through COVID and beyond – and I felt I owed them, as they made it possible for my dad to meet his grandson and spend some quality time with him.
“Dad and I always loved watching the rugby - along with my brother Oliver - including occasionally going to Sale Sharks and going to watch England at Twickenham. We were fortunate to watch all of the Six Nations at Twickenham as well as New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
“I had already agreed to run the Cardiff Half with some friends and thought why not go beyond this and make it a proper challenge and do something that I know my dad would be proud of - and in places that would mean something to both him and me. So, I decided to undertake a half-marathon in France, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, and England!"
Thomas had played rugby at Bolton School from 11 years old and continued to play at university and then for Bolton Rugby Club until he was 30. He is a proud supporter of England and Sale Sharks, as well as Bolton Rugby Club.
“My Dad was always there to support me and my brother Oliver as we were growing up and attended every rugby match me and my brother ever played in without fail. This continued as we got older, as there was a time where we both played for Bolton Rugby Club senior men’s teams at the same time and Dad would always come along on a Saturday to watch us and we’d all enjoy a beer or two afterwards. Dad had never played himself, mainly because he never had the opportunity, but our love of rugby, and all that we associate with it, brought us all happiness and fond memories.”
Thomas’s wife Anna, an avid Leeds Rhinos supporter, and their 3-year-old son Bertie have been by his side throughout the journey, attending each event to cheer him on. Many friends who know the family have also come along, with some even running parts of the half-marathons with him.
Taking on 6 half-marathons has been no small feat. A friend of Thomas’, David Blossom – who has joined the family for several rugby matches at Twickenham – is a physiotherapist based in Bolton (LB Physio) who has provided valuable training tips and massages to ensure Thomas stayed fit and ready to complete the challenge.
Thomas’s brother Oliver, 34, will join him for the final run in Manchester and they hope to arrange a celebration in the city afterwards, gathering their friends and family together to mark the completion of this challenge and to toast their dad.
Thomas is grateful for the support of friends and well-wishers. So far, he has raised over £8K and is aiming for £10K by the time he reaches the finishing line in Manchester.
He said: "Running these half-marathons has been an incredible challenge - physically and mentally it's been tough, but absolutely worth every step. I'm really looking forward to completing the final half marathon in my hometown of Manchester, surrounded by friends and family. Their support has meant the world to me and will make crossing the finish line even more special and something I know my dad would be so proud of. I also want to thank everyone who has donated and supported my fundraising for The Christie Charity - your generosity has kept me going and will make a real difference."
Alicia Gaffey, mass participation events coordinator at The Christie Charity said: "We’re so thankful to Thomas for taking on the extraordinary challenge of running 6 half-marathons to raise funds for The Christie Charity. His dedication is truly inspiring, and we know his efforts will have a lasting impact on the lives of our patients. As he prepares for his final half-marathon in his home city of Manchester, it will be a special homecoming moment, and we wish him the best of luck as he crosses the finish line."
To support the work of The Christie Charity, please go to Donate today or ring 0161 446 3988.
The Christie Charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. This includes money for care and treatment, research, education, and extra patient services. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.