Everton Performance Coach running 26 marathons in 26 weeks
Jack Dowling with his brother Tom, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year
Written by Training Ground Guru — October 22, 2023
EVERTON Physical Performance Coach Jack Dowling is running 26 marathons in 26 weeks to fundraise after his older brother was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The 30-year-old has set himself the gruelling challenge after his brother Tom was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year. Funds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support, who have provided vital care including support from specialist nurses.
Jack will tackle the Project 26:26 challenge - which is the equivalent of running from Liverpool to Berlin - and has set himself the target of raising £32,250, which would fund a Macmillan nurse for six months.
His campaign began at Merchant Taylors’ School in Crosby today and will end in 26 weeks time, at April’s London Marathon.
Before embarking on the challenge he said: “It’s going to be a difficult thing to do, mainly in terms of juggling the marathon schedule and recovery around family, work and other commitments.
“But I have seen, first-hand, the difference that Macmillan and other support teams, particularly at the specialist centres where Tom’s been treated, are making day in and day out.
“This is what has inspired me to take on this challenge and to give a little something back. In 2022, Tom was diagnosed with cancer, and we will continue to be supported by Macmillan Cancer Support teams throughout his treatment. I want to give back in the best way I know how – running.”
Dowling has worked for Everton's first team since February last year, having previously been a Performance Coach at Blackburn Rovers. His 26 marathons will be squeezed into a busy work schedule, as well as family life (Jack became a father for the first time last year).
Jack’s fundraising page is available via JustGiving and you can follow his progress on Instagram @jdphysicalprep or online at project2626.info
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