Dad will take on marathon for late sister

RUNNER . . . Lee Doherty, with wife Emma and children Joshua, Megan and Rhys, who is taking part in the London Marathon in memory of his sister Wendy Clarke

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A CARING dad is preparing to take on one of the UK's biggest sporting challenges this weekend as a tribute to the younger sister he lost to cancer.

Lee Doherty (47), from Oldham, is running the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday and will be raising funds for Cancer Research UK.

Lee is running in memory of his sister Wendy Clarke (45), from Derker, who died last August after a two-year battle with cholangiocarcinoma - bile duct cancer.

Lee, who runs his own plumbing, heating and gas engineering business L&J Plumbing, said: "My sister inspired me to take part.

"Seeing the effect the cancer had on her and how she deteriorated during those two years was really difficult.

"She's left behind her husband, Budgie, her three children, Stacey, Matthew and Hannah as well as our parents Brian and Linda, me and my brother Martin.

"This marathon is for her, and I hope she'd be proud. I just want to help the charity ensure more people are treated successfully so that other people don't have to go through what our family has been through."

Lee, a dad of three, is aiming to complete the 26.2 miles inside five hours and raise about £3,000.

He is also encouraging anyone who already has a place in this year's event to unite with him in the fight against the disease by joining the charity's running team.

Lee said: "The London Marathon is one of the most exciting running events in the world and I'm really delighted that I'll be part of it for the first time.

"My wife Emma and children Joshua (12), Rhys (11) and Megan (8) are all coming to cheer me on."

Last year, Cancer Research UK's Marathon team raised £1.6million to help accelerate life-saving research.

The charity also has a wide range of running events for all abilities, including half marathons and 10ks for men and women, as well as the women-only Race for Life 5k,10k and Pretty Muddy events.

Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK's Greater Manchester spokeswoman, said: "It's thanks to the support of people like Lee that we are able to go on making progress in the fight against cancer.

"There is still time for anyone who already has a place in the Virgin Money London Marathon to join our fantastic team of runners. Or if you are inspired by Lee's experience why not try one of our other runs.

"Everyone who pulls on their trainers for Cancer Research UK will know every step they take brings us a step closer to winning the race against the disease."

Cancer Research UK is also looking for volunteers to help support its Virgin Money London Marathon team.

To sign up to run for the charity or volunteer on the day visit cruk.org/marathon.

To help Lee reach his £3,000 total, sponsor him at www.justgiving.com, then enter leedoherty69.