Paris Marathon 2026

In loving memory of Craig Chesters, my brother-in-law.

In his own words - reader, war gamer, tall person!

On 3 August 2024, our lives changed for ever when Craig passed away at the age of just 43 following a very short battle with bowel cancer.

Craig was the most wonderful person. He had a thirst for life and fun, was always happy and positive and he would do anything for anyone.
He had a huge heart (as huge as his feet - which were often the topic of conversation) and he leaves a giant-sized hole in our family.

When Craig entered a room, he lit it up! He thoroughly enjoyed sharing jokes, silliness and stories of his many travel adventures.

He was also very community minded and loved to bring people together and support others. He ran the 'Purple Sparkly Unicorns' Warhammer club in Shavington which brought together hundreds of 'toy soldiers' enthusiasts from the local area to play, chat and enjoy their hobby every month.

Craig had a passion for food, particularly BBQs, and all things Star Wars and he was a real family man who adored his wife (my Sister, Rachel), his mum (Pat), sister (Claire), extended family as well as his little furry boy, Sully.

In the final weeks of his life, Craig was cared for and treated at Leighton Hospital in Crewe by nurses from the Colorectal Nursing Team and Palliative Care Team as well as dozens of wonderful ward staff.

In July 2024, Rachel and Craig were due to go to Paris for the 2024 Olympics (the start of the latest of their travel adventures!), but sadly never made it. So, in Craig’s memory, Scott is running the Paris Marathon on 13 April 2025 and I will be running the Paris Marathon in April 2026 (I will also be completing the Great North Run in September 2026 and Scott will be completing The Lap in September 2026) to raise funds towards Leighton Hospital's End of Life Care Appeal to help to improve facilities for patients and their loved ones who are cared for at Leighton Hospital in their final days, just as Craig was.

The family would also like to donate some money to funds to help to improve the environment on Ward 28, where Craig spent much of his time in hospital, to help to improve the facilities and aid recuperation of bowel cancer patients who are recovering from treatment and surgery.

Thank you in advance for your love and generosity!