Uncle to take on double marathon for sick nephew

A teacher is running two marathons in 24 hours to raise money for his young nephew who is battling bone cancer.

Doting uncle Mal Graves, from Chartham, is undertaking the gruelling challenge in aid of 14-year-old Miles Stockwell, who recently underwent a full leg amputation.

Simlon Langton Boys’ pupil Miles, from Herne Bay, was diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer shortly before Christmas.

An “extensive” tumour was found in his left knee and spread up his leg.

Medics had initially hoped they could save the limb, but Miles was given the devastating news it must be removed.

Miles - a natural sportsman who is a much-loved member of Whitstable Town FC - underwent the major operation last month, but his prognosis remains unclear.

His mum, Sarah Luckhurst, said: “He’ll finish chemo in August, all being well. We’re really, really hoping then that his prognosis will be really good. But at the moment, it’s still uncertain.”

Determined to help give his “incredible” nephew the best future possible, Mr Graves plans to raise funds by “running, walking, jogging or crawling” a distance of 52.4 miles in just one day.

Across June 16 and 17 he will run through day and night to complete the equivalent of two marathons.

His route will start at St Edmund’s Catholic School in Dover - where he is deputy head - before making his way to Ursuline College in Westgateon-sea and St Anselm’s in Canterbury, before returning to St Edmund’s.

The dad-of-three says his double-marathon will be “without a shadow of a doubt” the furthest he’s run.

“I’m a little bit apprehensive but quite excited,” he said. “It’s just good to do something to contribute towards Miles’ future. It will be rewarding.

“Throughout, he has shown bravery and resilience well beyond his years and inspired me with his strength.

“What better tribute to this incredible young man than running two marathons in a day?”

Mr Graves, 45, hopes to raise between £5,000 and £10,000.

Donate at bit.ly/milesstockwell.

Mal Graves will run two marathons in a single day