A SON who lost his mum to cancer 13 years ago is preparing to run 165 miles in her memory.

Tom Hacker has already raised almost £30,000 for cancer charities but he is about to take on his biggest challenge yet when he runs six marathons in six days for Macmillan Cancer Support.

He will set out on August 11 to run from coast to coast from Liverpool, through Manchester, Leeds and Hull in the hope of raising £20,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support UK.

The 26-year-old said: “Thirteen years ago my mum died of cancer.

“When she left it tore a hole in my family, one that could never be repaired. Soon after losing my mum, my dad’s health deteriorated, he died of his fourth heart attack in 2010.

“Cancer makes me sad for what I have lost and sad for all I may be yet to lose.”

Tom lives in Wakefield but his mum, Susan Hacker grew up in Leigh and a lot of his family, including his 89-year-old grandmother Elizabeth Wood who lives on Brookfield Street still live in the town.

“My nan is so inspirational to me. One of the big reasons I do these things is to make her proud of me,” he said.

“I will finish my first marathon on the East Lancs close to Worsley and my half cousin and his dad who lost their mum and wife to cancer not long after mine will be running the last 15km of the first day with me.

“Running is not my thing. I don't enjoy it, never have and until I started training nine months ago I had never ran a single marathon - or half for that matter!

“I train an average of two hours a day and it affects my private life, my social life, my career - everything.”

Tom would is also inviting anyone who wants to be involved to join him on his run. To find out more, visit 6marathons6days.co.uk.