Lewisham lifeguard runs London marathon for friend’s cancer recovery

By Keerthana Syam

A lifeguard and swimming instructor is gearing up for this year’s London Marathon to encourage his friend who is recovering from cancer treatment.

Martyn Allchurch, 41, instructor at Forest Hill Pools, is running in the London marathon with his friend Kay Kapsalis, 60, a medical secretary, who is battling pancreatic cancer.

Mr Allchurch said: “Running the London Marathon has always been on Kay’s bucket list.

“I wasn’t doing the marathon myself but then a slot came up for me, so now I’m running, too.”

The pair will be raising money for the charity, ‘Backcare’ which educates people about back pain and has supported Mrs Kapsalis during her cancer treatment.

Undergoing chemotherapy, her energy levels keep fluctuating, but Mr Allchurch has helped her stay motivated during park runs and gym sessions.

He explained that when they take part in the Marathon on April 27, it is likely to be more of a walk than a run, but he will remain at her side, matching whatever speed she can manage.

Mrs Kapsalis said: “I am very lucky to have been given a chance to run for Backcare, especially as I have suffered back pain.

“I am extremely grateful that Martyn keeps me company on my training runs, even though I’m rather slow. He puts up with my moaning, for which he definitely deserves a medal.”

Mr Allchurch has previously taken part in the Three Peaks Challenge, where participants aim to run up Britain’s three tallest mountains – Snowdon in Wales, Ben Nevis in Scotland and Scafell Pike in England – within 24 hours.

Forest Hill Pools is run by charitable social enterprise GLL under the ‘Better’ brand and supporting the local community is an important part of the organisation’s ethos.

Theresa Shangazhike, general manager at GLL, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of Martyn taking part in the London Marathon to support his friend. 

“Martyn is always committed to helping charities and communities in any way he can. We’re all behind him as he takes on this challenge.”

To make a donation to Martyn and Kay, visit: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/kayandmartynrunlondon

Pictured top: From left, Martyn Allchurch and Kay Kapsalis (Picture: Martyn Allchurch)