Brantham running club holds 24-hour run for bowel cancer charity

Emma Marsland said she and her husband Steve were blown away by the support from Brantham running club

A father-of-two with bowel cancer said he was "truly humbled" after a running club organised a fundraiser in his honour.

Brantham Leisure Centre Running Club raised more than £6,000 for bowel cancer research with a 24-hour run.

Steve Marsland, who lives in Brantham, Suffolk, has a rare gene mutation which means his bowel cancer is incurable.

"I am truly humbled at the amount of effort, time and love put in by all involved," he said.

"The amount raised is staggering and will help research not only into cancer but the more rare mutations."

Emma Marsland (centre) kicked off the event, having previously completed two marathons to raise money for bowel cancer research

The 39-year-old has had more than 100 rounds of chemotherapy since he was diagnosed five years ago.

His wife Emma, who is a member of the club, also known as BLC on the Run, said they were "absolutely blown away" by the support.

"It was a privilege for our sons and me to be part of it," she said.

"Happy memories were made seeing everyone come together to support our family and many others living with cancer."

A total of 76 runners and volunteers took part in the challenge.

They ran nearly 750 miles, including one member who ran an ultra marathon, during the 24-hour period, which ended on Saturday evening.

The Marsland family said they were blown away by the support from the club committee, the runners, the volunteers and the hundreds of sponsors

The couple live with their seven-year-old twin boys, Austin and Riley.

The boys donated their pocket money towards the cause, with Austin saying he was "very proud of everyone for taking time to raise money for the best Captain Chemo".

Riley added: "I love my Mum and Dad so much and thanks for donating so much money for us."

Club chairman Clive Thomas and members Chris Garrington and Lauren White helped organise the event

Chris Garrington, who helped organise the event, dubbed Miles for Marsland, said it had been a "phenomenal success".

"The commitment of all the organisers, runners, volunteers and supporters has been breathtaking. It really has shown the power of people and communities to come together and make a difference," she said.

Emma Marsland, her two boys and lots of other children took part in the challenge

Lauren White organised a rainbow lap-a-thon which 55 children took part in, running 78 miles in total.

"Even when it started to drizzle they kept on going, their determination was inspiring and to see them all smiling, having such a great time was wonderful," she said.