After 40 years, this year, we were offered our very FIRST place in the London Marathon. We received a number of amazing applications, but at the end of February we spoke with Nick Shallow to let him know he was our first ever London Marathon runner.

Nick Shallow has applied for the London Marathon for the past 5 years and has been knocked back every year. Nick has also been involved in numerous fundraisers with the hospice, taking part in charity boxing games. As well as, during the first lockdown, running a marathon, in which he raised over £2,000 for us.

‘I’ve always been very sporty. I have done the Great North Run and always wanted to run a marathon. Therefore, at the beginning of lockdown I decided now was as good a time as ever, and ran it in just over 4 hours, whilst in the middle of a pandemic. ‘

In 2003, Nick lost his mum to Luekaemia. ‘Teesside Hospice really have helped my family. I was 11 when I lost my mum and I really benefitted from the support the Hospice gave me through bereavement counselling.

It was a big shock to the whole family. Mum was the knot that tied us all together. Dad was a typical Teesside bloke, and worked away from home. Therefore, when my Mum died he had to adjust and get a local job. We found as a family we all had to grow up quicker than what would’ve been expected, especially my older Sister. She looked after me whilst I was growing up and became a second Mum to me.’

Although we lost such an important member of our family, we did become resilient from this tragic experience, and it really brought our family much closer together.

Although, I am a lot stronger than I was when I first lost my mum, I do still have random days with affect me more than others. This isn’t necessarily named days, such as, Mother’s Day or Christmas, but it can be days that are very unexpected. They come and go and I know life experiences such as these help you become a stronger person, which helps me become a stronger and more resilient person’.

Nick now works as a school Teacher and Mental Health Therapist for children, whilst he has been studying the last 4 years to complete his Mental Health Therapist studies, which he finishes this year.  

We can’t wait to support Nick in his journey, and help with his fundraising. I am sure his friends and family will also be a great support for his journey, as they have supported him in the past. ‘ I am very thankful, to all my friends and family, as they have shaped the experiences I have been on to this day. I am grateful for everything and everyone’.

‘Nothing is as painful as losing my Mum, so I know I can definitely do the London Marathon.’

Good luck Nick. We will keep you updated with his progress over the coming months.