Everton coach running 26 marathons in 26 weeks after brother’s cancer diagnosis

Jack, from Crosby, did his first 26.2miles run for Macmillan Cancer Support last Sunday, the day after the derby match.

Everton fitness coach Jack Dowling has already smashed his initial fundraising target after running the first of 26 marathons in 26 weeks – with the backing of Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.

He’s raising money for Macmillan which has been supporting his older brother Tom since he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in June last year.

Jack is a Blue – the only one in his immediate family – and 36-year-old Tom is a Red so post-derby seemed like a fitting time to kick off his fundraising campaign.

And he’s already well exceeded his first target of £5,000 after winning the backing of both clubs.

The 30-year-old even got a mention for his huge challenge in Jurgen Klopp’s pre-match notes. Ahead of the match at Anfield, the Liverpool boss wrote: “I was told about an Everton fan who is running 26 marathons in 26 weeks to raise funds for Macmillan after his brother, a Liverpool fan, was diagnosed with bowel cancer. 

“That is the spirit of this city and of this rivalry. We have families that are split but at the same time they are together. So, on behalf of Liverpool FC, I would like to wish Jack Dowling the very best of luck with his marathon challenge and also to let Tom Dowling know that he has the support of everyone here.”

After an overwhelming response, Jack has now raised the target to £32,250, the amount it costs to fund a Macmillan specialist nurse for 26 weeks – and he’s well on the way to that too.

He says he came up with the idea of 26 marathons in 26 weeks after running his first London Marathon last year.

“I loved every minute of it, it was such a good experience, so when Tom was diagnosed terminal this summer I really wanted to do something to help him and raise awareness.

“I got accepted for a place in next year’s London Marathon running for Macmillan Cancer Support and I wanted to do something a bit different, a bit crazy, before then so 26 marathons in 26 weeks was it.”

The London race, on April 21, will be the last run of his six-month challenge – before that he’ll be pounding the pavements closer to home, clocking up marathon distances on various local routes.

The first one was Crosby into Liverpool then past Goodison, Aintree Racecourse and back into Crosby. 

Jack says running has not only been a way to raise awareness and funds, it’s given him a personal boost too.

“I do enjoy running, and with Tom’s news it’s my go-to if I’m feeling a bit down. I’ll go out and run and I always feel better,” he adds.

He chose Macmillan because of the support they’ve given Tom and the rest of the family since his diagnosis.

“Macmillan have been amazing all the way through. From Tom’s first diagnosis, there has been a Macmillan specialist nurse there at every appointment in case he has any questions, and he can speak to them 24/7, so if his mind’s going over something at 3am he can drop a text to Macmillan and know they’ll always get back to him. 

“He’s used the counselling service, had financial advice, there’s a wide range of things that he’s been able to tap into.

“Macmillan have been there for us as a family as well in how to deal with certain things, what to expect when Tom’s going through his treatment, and ways we can help.

“What they do is incredible. They offer so much advice and support, in so many areas and for so many families, and I want people to see that.”

To donate to Jack’s fundraising click HERE.