Emma laces her trainers up for charity marathons in memory of in-laws
A determined mum who lost two family members to cancer within eight months is taking on a double marathon challenge in their memory to raise money for charity.
Emma McCracken, from Nesscliffe, will complete both the New York and Berlin marathons – just six weeks apart – to raise vital funds for Wales’ leading cancer charity, Tenovus, later this year.
The 42-year-old, who balances a tough training regime with providing care for her 13-year-old son who has Down’s Syndrome, is running in memory of her father-in-law and mother-in law, Phillip and Adele McCracken,.
Her efforts have now been boosted by Lock Stock Self Storage – the UK’s largest containerised storage company – which is proudly sponsoring her for the Berlin Marathon on September 24 to help her reach her £800 target.
The firm is now calling for other local businesses to get onboard and donate in aid of the charity, which supports cancer patients and their families, funds research and works to raise awareness on how to prevent cancer.
Emma, who lives with her husband Peter, 41, and three children, a son and two daughters aged six and two, said her in-laws were both in their mid-seventies when they were diagnosed with cancer.
“My father-in-law was struck down first with a brain tumor and was receiving treatment to manage the condition over 18 months. My mother-in-law cared for him until he passed away. She was just beginning to get her life back on track before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November 2022. She died in January this year.
“It was an awful time. What made it even worse was all through Covid, we couldn’t see them in case we passed something on to my father-in-law who was receiving treatment. We missed out on so much. It was really hard.
