Chesterfield student completes marathon at home in aid of bowel cancer charity

Jed Frazer, who attends St Mary’s Catholic High School in Chesterfield, chose to take part in the ‘2.6 Challenge’ for Bowel and Cancer Research.

The 16-year-old ran 2.6 miles around the block in his village of Newbold every day for ten days, completing the equivalent of a marathon, and raised more than £350.

Jed, who holds his school’s 200m record for sprinting, said: “A lot of people I know were doing things for charity when the London Marathon and other events were cancelled so I thought I might as well have a go.

“Apart from anything else I don’t have much else to do.

“It wasn’t difficult because I’m quite fit. It was just a bit repetitive doing the same route every day.

“But it’s not about me – to me running is not a big deal – it’s about the charity.”

The whole Frazer family recognised that many charities are struggling because of the coronavirus and the cancellation of dozens of major fundraising events.

They chose to support Bowel and Cancer Research because Jed’s dad Tony is a bowel cancer survivor. A relative of one of Jed’s friends sadly succumbed to the disease.

Jed was ably supported by the rest of the Frazer family.

Mum Debs said Jed didn’t need much nudging.

She said: “He just tumbled out of bed every day and ran 2.6 miles before maths at midday with his dad.”

A spokesperson for Bowel and Cancer Reseach thanked Jed and his family for their support.

She said: “Our mission is to ensure that no one should die of bowel cancer in future and we can only do that with the help of our fantastic fundraisers.

“The coronavirus has made this year particularly challenging for all charities and we are therefore doubly grateful that Jed stepped up to help.”

Anyone who wants to support Jed can do so at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jeds-26-marathon-challenge.

Visit www.bowelcancerresearch.org for more information on the charity.