Cramlington man runs London Marathon for charity in mam's memory

Wayne Wilson, 54, is representing Slimming World in their 15-strong official marathon team this April.

The runners are raising money for Cancer Research UK and Alzheimer’s Research UK, Slimming World’s official charity partners.

Wayne is running for Cancer Research UK in memory of his mother and aiming to increase awareness of how keeping a healthy weight and moving more can improve people’s health and help reduce the risk of developing 13 types of cancer.

Despite not taking much notice of what he ate or worrying about his size, Wayne became conscious of his weight creeping up during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

The dad-of-two said: “I knew I had to make a change after a friend came into the pub one day and commented on my weight, I knew he didn’t mean to hurt me, but I couldn’t let what he said go.

“I was going through a difficult time as I had found out that my mam had cancer. She needed an operation but had to lose weight first. We joined Slimming World together and even though I told myself that I was doing it to support her, in reality, I wanted to do it for myself too."

As Wayne lost weight and grew in confidence, he decided to explore Slimming World’s active lifestyle programme, which helps members to embrace and integrate fitness habits into their everyday life.

Wayne said: “I am running the London Marathon in aid of Cancer Research UK and in memory of my mam, who although had lost weight and was able to have the operation, sadly passed away in 2022.

"Joining Slimming World meant we got to spend more time together, which I will always be thankful for. I want to keep raising money for Cancer Research because I want to help spare people from the pain the disease causes.”

Slimming World District Manager Lorna Daniels added: “Wayne is a true inspiration to us all and we are so proud of him. He works hard to make sure his members achieve their weight loss goals and his work ethic and determination has reflected in his marathon training and fundraising.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor Wayne can do so here.