Young man takes on the London Marathon to fundraise for the hospital that treated his older brother

Jack Everton (23) is taking on the London Marathon to fundraise for The Christie Charity in memory of his beloved brothers Nick and Charlie Everton who both died from cancer.

Jack will be running in The London Marathon this Sunday 27^th April on the back of his older brother Sam (28) who recently ran the Berlin marathon.

Jack and Sam’s older brother Nick died aged just 17 in 2002 after being diagnosed with familial polyposis, a genetic condition where polyps, or growths, appear in the bowel and can turn cancerous. Nick died before he could even be treated for it, then his younger brother Charlie was also diagnosed with the condition. 

In 2019, the Everton family experienced further heartbreak when Charlie died at the age of 31, after three years of treatment for his condition, at leading cancer centre The Christie in Manchester.

Jack, who lives in Prestbury, was only six months old when his eldest brother Nick died, and just 17 years old when his brother Charlie died aged 31. 

Jack said:

“Charlie was an amazing brother and friend. During his illness he never once complained, facing every obstacle head on, always with a smile on his face, probably masking the pain he was feeling, and his outward consideration for others, was incredibly unselfish and is my biggest inspiration in life.  He will always be my hero, and I miss him.

“The excellent care, provided by the Christie, allowed me to spend three incredibly important years with him. The main reason I’m running a marathon is to support the amazing work, research and care that the Christie provides, to help people survive or live with cancer, and for the happiness this valuable extra time together brings to so many patients, their relatives and loved ones - my own family amongst them.

“It was my very close friend, Archie Vokes, who encouraged me to start running and I attempted the odd jog, hating every second of it. He sadly passed away, just after Christmas in 2023, but his legacy has inspired me to attempt things I may have previously considered beyond my grasp.

“I used to plod around a rugby or football pitch, expending as little energy as possible in fear of collapsing due to lack of fitness. So, the mere thought of me attempting a marathon seems laughable. Then, when my older brother Sam decided to lace up his trainers and run the Berlin Marathon last year, I thought ‘OMG, now I’ve got to do one’!”

“The Christie played such a huge part in Charlie’s life, and their staff were always kind, committed and so helpful - even to those of us just collecting medication. This challenge is for them too, because their work makes a massive difference for so many families.

“Cancer has affected me and my family throughout our lives. The stark reality is that almost all families are affected by cancer and in honour of both my brothers, Nick and Charlie, I want to do as much as I can to raise money for this great cause. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to help in some small way.”

Last year, Jack’s brother Sam, who lives in Macclesfield, was joined by his girlfriend Kristi and three close friends of Charlie’s - Simeon, Michael and Alex - as they took on the Berlin Marathon together, raising over £23,000 for The Christie Charity in memory of Charlie, Nick, and other loved ones affected by cancer. Their efforts contributed to the Nick and Charlie Everton Tribute Fund, which now stands at over £56,000.

Josh Hughff, mass participation events officer at The Christie Charity, said:

“Sam, Jack and their family and friends have turned personal loss into an incredible legacy of hope and support. Their incredible fundraising efforts are a touching tribute to both Nick and Charlie and help us continue to deliver world-class cancer care.”

Jack’s fundraising page: 

Jack Everton is fundraising for THE CHRISTIE CHARITY

The Christie Charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, helping to fund life-changing research, care and treatment for over 60,000 patients a year.

To support the work of The Christie Charity, please go to: 

Donate today (christie.nhs.uk) 

or ring: 

0161 446 3988

The Christie Charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. This includes money for care and treatment, research, education, and extra patient services. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.

Pictured - Sam finishing the Berlin Marathon.