2 days ago
Son completes half marathon to raise money after mum's cancer battle
A Bury St Edmunds man has raised nearly £3,000 for Bowel Cancer UK by completing a half marathon with friends in honour of his mother.
Jake Sweetman ran the Richmond Park Half Marathon in London on Sunday, August 10 alongside friends Josh, Jack and Will.
The group, calling themselves Team Jake, took part after Mr Sweetman's mother, Jane, was diagnosed with stage 3B bowel cancer in October 2024 and completed treatment earlier this year.
The team has raised more than £2,900, with donations still being received.
Mr Sweetman said: 'My beautiful mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2024 and has since undergone chemotherapy.
'The treatment she has received has been incredible and we wanted to do something to give back to a great charity like Bowel Cancer UK.'
Jane (centre), Jake (far left) and Team Jake after the race (Image: Jane Sweetman) Jane Sweetman, who attended the race to cheer on the team, said: 'I was diagnosed with stage 3B bowel cancer.
"My treatment has now been completed and I'm getting back on with my life.
'The trail was challenging in the heat but the boys smashed it.
"Thanks to Bowel Cancer UK for the running shirts – they made Team Jake easier to spot.'
The Richmond Park Half Marathon is a four-lap race through London's largest royal park.
Vicky Martin, community fundraising manager for Bowel Cancer UK, said: 'Every 12 minutes, someone like Jane is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK's fourth most common cancer.
'The money Team Jake has raised will help us continue to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.'
