A bereaved son is challenging himself this new year to complete an ultra-marathon to raise money for the hospice that cared for his dad.

Matthew Chaloner, Business Support Manager at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, plans to take part in The Ultra Loop running event in Manchester on 22 March to raise money for Goscote Hospice.

The Walsall-based hospice looked after his dad Graham Chaloner following his diagnosis of bone and lung cancer in July 2024 at the age of 66.

Matthew said he found a new love for running last year after completing his first half marathon in Stafford in March 2024. He then went on to take part in his first full marathon in Lisbon on 6 October.

The 25-year-old said: “Last year I really got into running, I did my first half marathon in Stafford in March.

“My mum and girlfriend came to watch me finish but my dad wasn’t able to come because he was experiencing pain in his hip – which we would later find out was bone cancer. It all happened very quickly – he passed away four months after his diagnosis.

“My dad lost his battle to cancer on 19 October. I am doing this challenge because running helped me to get through the toughest period of my life and I want to raise money for the place that supported my dad through the toughest period of his.”

Matthew said the staff at Goscote were ‘incredible’ and supported Graham’s care both at home and for four weeks as an in-patient.

He said: “The staff at Goscote looked after my dad in the final stages of his life, taking the pressure off my mum and supporting me by allowing me to visit my dad in an environment where his pain could be controlled. I used to walk over from work every lunchtime and my mum spent a lot of time there. The staff were so kind and caring.

“They cared for him so well and I am grateful to the team for looking after us.”

The Ultra Loop event is a 5km loop around Heaton Park in Manchester and finishers must complete the course in eight hours.

Matthew said he is aiming to run 60km (approximately 37.5 miles) – which is 12 laps of the course.

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager for Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity, said “Matthew has supported the charity through several sporting events including our boxing events, and I know how proud his dad would be to see him raise money for such a wonderful cause.

“I am sure Matthew will smash this challenge and we’ll be supporting him all the way.”

To sponsor him, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/matthew-chaloner-1736427606315?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL