Father-of-two runs marathon in memory of grandmother (From Times Series)

Father-of-two from New Barnet runs Amsterdam marathon to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support

12:25pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Emma Innes

A father-of-two from New Barnet is flying to Amsterdam to take part in a marathon in memory of his grandmother.

Chris Ward, 40, of St Mark’s Close, will be running with his brothers, Gavin Ward, 42, and Murphy Ward, 35.

They are raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support because their grandmother, who died of cancer in February, was looked after by Macmillan Nurses.

Mr Ward, who used to be a parks keeper, will leave for the Netherlands on Friday, undertake the 26 mile run on Sunday, and fly home on Monday.

This will be the first marathon that Mr Ward, who is training to be a primary school teacher, has undertaken as well as being his first trip to Amsterdam since he was 14.

However, he will be supported by his eight-year-old daughter and five-year-old son both of who are travelling to Amsterdam to cheer him on.

Mr Ward said: “My wife was skeptical about this at first as I only started training at the end of July.

“Now she is very supportive.

“I had not done much running before this but I have loved it. It’s been fantastic.

“I feel like I have been given a new lease of life and I hope to run more marathons in the future.”

Mr Ward has been training in Friary Park and Trent Park and hopes to raise £1,000 by completing the marathon in less than four hours.

He said: “I am looking forward to it but I am a bit nervous.

“I have lots of nervous energy but I feel really fit and strong.”

He added: “Running this marathon seemed like a good way to pay the nurses back for looking after our grandmother.

“The support they gave her was invaluable. They were very caring and calm and practical.”

To sponsor Mr Ward visit www.justgiving.com/chrisjward