A man whose mother was diagnosed with two forms of cancer on the same day is preparing for a London Marathon run in aid of the Wirral charity that has supported her.

When he hits the streets of London on April 21, along with thousands of others, Louis Ashton will be running for Maggie’s Cancer Charity, a place that has become a 'safe haven' for his family.

Mum Jemma was diagnosed with Kidney and Thyroid cancer on New Year's Eve 2021 and is currently being treated. She receives support from staff at Maggie’s Wirral, which provides free-of-charge help and information to people living with the disease. 

Built in the grounds of Clatterbridge Cancer Centre it is described as 'a warm and welcoming' place, acting as a safe haven and providing an alternative to the hospital environment cancer patients and their friends and family see.

Maggie’s relies solely on voluntary donations to support the ongoing services and keep their doors open.

It is charity Louis is keen to support. He explained: "Since moving to Manchester to start my university degree, I’ve unfortunately had less time to come back and see my family.

"With a younger brother and sister at home I used to worry that they wouldn’t understand the situation going on with our mum; but after hearing all the wonderful work that Maggie’s has done for my family, my mind has been put at ease.

"From books that gently explain what their mummy is going through and why she is at the hospital so often, to a space where they can meet other families in similar circumstances.

"I knew straight away that I wanted to help raise some money for Maggie’s and seeing that they had places in The TSC London Marathon, I knew that’s how I wanted to support them.

"I’ve trained hard over the recent months to prepare myself for the challenge to show my unwavering devotion to my Mum and to let her know that she’ll never be alone no matter how far I am.

"I’m running for Maggie's and for every family affected by cancer, but most of all I’m running so that people know cancer in your family doesn’t stop your world from turning, and that because of the incredible work that Maggie’s do, things do get better and that it will not beat us, only bring us closer together. ' 

You can sponsor Louis by following the link and some others living with cancer https://maggies.enthuse.com/pf/louis-ashton

Recalling her own experience of being diagnosed and praising staff at the centre, Louis' mum Jemma said: "The two diagnoses came on new year’s eve 2021 within three hours of each other.

"I had a half and then full kidney removal, half, and then full thyroidectomy.

"I then had a preventative hysterectomy due to my risk after genetic screening.

"The cancer then came back in my neck and parathyroids and I had another operation and RAI. I'm currently on Breast Cancer chemo/ Hormone meds as although I don't have breast cancer my risk is 85%.

"I currently have a superacid catheter fitted due to my bladder not working, following all the operations and treatments.

"It took me a while to walk into Maggie's, as to me it felt I was admitting that I had cancer, I cried when I walked in but never since.

"It has been a safe haven for myself, but most importantly for my husband and children when they have needed support too.

"My husband visits Maggie's whilst I have scans and they provide him with somewhere to express his emotions, without the fear of worrying or upsetting me.

"Maggie’s is truly our family's safe place."

Kathy Wright, centre head at Maggie's said: "We are extremely grateful to Louis for taking on this incredible challenge, whilst undergoing his studies.

"It's good to hear his family have found comfort and support at Maggie’s and we will continue to be there for them for as long as they need us.

"If you or anyone you know is struggling with the impact of cancer, please do just drop in.

"We’re here to support anyone affected by cancer, along with friends and family. We provide free practical, emotional and psychological support through an evidence-based programme of support."