by Sam Hawcroft
Withernsea is preparing to welcome a runner at the end of an extraordinary 104-mile challenge inspired by his mother’s stage four lung cancer diagnosis.
Tom Knifton-Smith, 30, will run from his home in Buxton, Derbyshire, to Withernsea – the town where his mother, Libby Barker, was born – completing four marathons in four days.
He is expected to arrive at Pier Towers at about 4pm on Sunday, July 26, when Withstock will also be taking place.
Supporters are being invited to help give Tom a memorable welcome as he crosses a specially arranged finish line following the final leg of his journey from Barton-upon-Humber.
Members of the community are also expected to join him for part of the last stage, while Withernsea and District Lions will present a donation towards his fundraising total.
The welcome has been organised by Chloe Hart, general manager of the Shores Centre, working alongside Kerri Harold, of the HEY Smile Foundation, Cllr Sean McMaster and Cllr Lyn Healing.
Tom is taking on the challenge to mark his 30th birthday and raise money for ALK Positive UK, Blythe House Hospice and Teenage Cancer Trust.
His mother was diagnosed with stage four ALK-positive lung cancer shortly before Christmas, while a close family friend was also diagnosed with cancer at the age of just 19 early this year.
Tom said: “I have put this challenge together to try to give something back to those who have helped us all.
“This is a massive challenge and I hope the funds raised can go some way to help all of those affected by cancer.”
His fundraising total has now passed £9,500, with the possibility that the money could be matched by his employer.
Libby said the past six months had been among the most challenging of the family’s lives, but they were determined to continue making happy memories together.
She said: “If this time has taught us anything, it’s that life goes on – and it can still be filled with beautiful, happy moments.
“To celebrate his 30th and raise vital funds, my amazing boy Tom is taking on a crazy challenge: four marathons in four days, running all the way from Buxton to Withernsea.
“Please consider digging deep, sharing and supporting Tom on this monumental journey. Every pound truly makes a difference.”
The challenge began on Thursday, July 23, with Tom running from Buxton to Sheffield. The second leg, on Friday, July 24, took him from Sheffield to Stainforth, followed by a run from Thorne to Barton-upon-Humber on Saturday, July 25.
He set off from Barton on the final morning before crossing the Humber Bridge and continuing towards Withernsea.
ALK Positive UK supports people affected by ALK-positive lung cancer, while Blythe House Hospice provides free care and support to patients and families affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses across Derbyshire.
Teenage Cancer Trust provides specialist nurses, youth workers and hospital units for young people receiving cancer treatment.
Tom is encouraging people to join him for any part of the route, whether for a short section or a longer leg.
Donations can be made through Tom’s 4 Marathons in 4 Days – Buxton to Withernsea Running Challenge page at givewheel.com/fundraising/14429/4-marathons-in-4-days-buxton-to-withernsea-running.