When she wanted to do something to honour her late brother, Teesside businesswoman Claire Preston chose to run the gruelling Warsaw Marathon – with Teesside Hospice as her chosen charity.

Claire, Head of Operations for the Power of Women Campaign was heartbroken when Jonathan (Jonny) Preston, passed away in November 2021 at the age of 51 after a courageous 20-year battle with cancer and its related challenges.

“Despite the adversity he faced, Jonny's zest for life and all it offered was huge. His love of travel and physical pursuits was limited by his illness, but he embraced life fully, never allowing his diagnosis or disabilities to define him,” says Claire.

“Jonny spent most of his adult life living and working in Warsaw, a city he really did feel had become his home. When I visit Warsaw, I fee close to him and find comfort knowing he loved life there, there despite the sizeable challenges he faced.

As a pretty lazy 55-year-old who's taken good health for granted, I’ve now come to appreciate my own health and aging as a privilege.

I’m anxious about the daunting task that lies ahead in the Marathon, but when I think of Jonny's resilience - how he navigated life's challenges without complaint - it makes me determined to do it.

Jonny's generous spirit touched many lives, including many fellow cancer sufferers, and in raising funds for the remarkable Teesside Hospice, I know that he would approve of my endeavour to support others in his name.”

On the day of the Marathon (September 23^rd), Claire will be joined by Jessica Williams, whose amazing support will mean a great deal as she navigates the emotional 26 miles together.

If you’re thinking of doing a challenge for Teesside Hospice, please contact 01642 811145 or visit teessidehospice.org.

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