Darren’s bowel cancer fundraiser
DETERMINED: Darren Loader is taking part in four marathons, a parachute jump and a desert trek in memory of his dad and father-in-law
POLICE officer Darren Loader has set himself a huge challenge of completing four marathons, a parachute jump and a desert trek, in aid of a charity close to his heart.
The father-of-two started training last month for the events, which will take place within a six month period next year.
Darren, who is 39 today, is hoping to raise more than £2,000 for Bowel Cancer Isle of Man, in memory of his late father Shaun and father-in-law Clive.
Before his dad was diagnosed in March 2008, Darren, like many other people, knew little about bowel cancer and he is hoping to raise awareness of the condition.
Constable Loader said: ‘It was after my dad passed away that I thought I would do something. It is a charity close to my heart, it is a good charity and people need to be made aware of bowel cancer.
‘It is not just older ones, that I want to take notice of it, it is the younger ones as well. If you think something is wrong just go for the tests there is no harm in it, it saves lives.
‘I have met other people who have been effected by bowel cancer in some way or another and really want to make people aware of bowel cancer, its effects and what they can do to maybe prevent it.’
Darren, from Kirk Michael, has always been interested in running since he was in school. He has previously completed the London Marathon and the Belfast Marathon for charity.
From April onwards, he will take part in the Blackpool, Belfast, Isle of Man and Liverpool marathons, a parachute jump in Belfast and his hard work will be finished off with the Jordan Desert Trek.
Talking about the importance of being aware of bowel cancer, Darren said: ‘It is something nobody wants to talk about, but they need to be aware of it.’
Determined Darren completed last year’s Belfast Marathon while being on antibiotics for tonsillitis, he described it as a completely different experience to when he completed the London Marathon the year before.
‘The London Marathon was amazing, being the first one, I got a sense of achievement from it. I had my dad’s picture on my armband, it was really emotional because I was very close to my dad.’
During the marathons Darren said thinking of his dad and children is what got him through it.
Darren has a tough few months ahead of him as he fits in his training with shift work and spending time with his wife Louise and two children Francesca, three, and Jacob, one.
‘My training will consist of mainly running, however, I have just purchased a road bike so will do part of my training cycling. I will be arranging some charity events from January 2013 such as quiz nights, a golf competition up at King Edward Bay around May/June and other events,’ added Mr Loader.
If you would like to sponsor Darren, you can do so by visiting http://www.bowelcanceriom.com.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Monday 20 May 2013
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