Drama therapist in Liverpool to run the London Marathon in memory of her father

Despite never running in her life and previously “hating it”, Elizabeth is now ready to take on the challenge.

Elizabeth Murphy, 33, will take her place in the London Marathon, the UK’s most famous race, this weekend to raise funds for end of life charity Marie Curie.

Nurses from the charity cared for her dad Sean in his final weeks before he died in September last year.

Elizabeth said: 

“When my dad died last year. The world around me collapsed. It was a difficult time. Losing someone who was a big part of my life. Losing your daddy is never going to be easy.

“I had never liked it and preferred walking but I decided doing this would be something to focus on. I found when I was running it helped me with my grief. I now have the running bug and get out whenever I can. It has been amazing therapy for me.

“My dad’s diagnosis was very quick but we managed to make some great memories in his final months.

“The care he received from Marie Curie was incredible. The nurses are like walking angels and so caring and compassionate – I don’t know how they do it.”

Marie Curie nurses provide round the clock care to people with life-limiting and terminal conditions in their 9 hospices and the local community and also support their loved ones.

Her dad Sean – a former bus driver and Inspector- had beaten Bowel cancer in 2015 and was in remission. But when his brother died of cancer in October 2021 he requested an urgent cancer check-up scan which thankfully was all clear.

But tragically five months later he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and told he only had months to live.

Elizabeth, who lives in the city centre and works for YPAS (Young Persons Advisory Service charity), added:

“It was important for dad to share this news with us all together. It was hard for him to process never mind having to tell his girls and my mum. Dad knew that he wanted to be at home and make special memories.”

When his condition deteriorated in the last weeks of his life the family called in Marie Curie nurses for support with his care.

Elizabeth, who is originally from Northern Ireland, said:

“They came when we needed them most. Dad had supported them all his life after they cared for his other brother. The nurses would sit up during the night with dad ensuring that we could get some rest.

“My dad loved to share stories and always loved having a laugh. When dad had the energy I could hear him sharing stories with the nurses and they would be laughing together and it made me smile.”

Elizabeth said she was inspired by her father, who was a huge supporter of Marie Curie for the past twenty years since they previously cared for his brother, to take up the challenge of raising money for them to provide other families with support.

She said:

“I signed up to do the London Marathon as a personal challenge, but never thought I would get picked as there is so much competition for places. I am running it with my brother-in-law Paddy.

“My dad would have loved me doing the marathon as he loved Marie Curie and used to sell their raffle tickets every year. It would give him a great story to tell. His smile and laugh were infectious and would light up whatever room he was in. I miss him every day.”

Elizabeth has been training hard, along with regular park runs across the city she has been doing daily runs down the city waterfront and competed in the Liverpool Half marathon to prepare for amateur running’s biggest challenge.

She added:

“On the day I am not bothered about my time but it is happening two days after my dad’s birthday, so I know he will be watching.”

Jen Corrigan Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Merseyside said:

“We are so grateful for Elizabeth and her dedication in doing the training and marathon. Every donation that Marie Curie receives allows us to continue our vital work to support terminally ill in the community providing care, advice and support.”

To support Elizabeth at the London Marathon click here. For all the latest news in the city keep checking The Guide Liverpool.