A MOTHER of three who lost two family members to cancer within eight months has received a fundraising boost as she plans to tackle two of the world's most prestigious marathons.

Emma McCracken, will complete both the New York and Berlin marathons – just six weeks apart – to raise vital funds for Wales’ cancer charity Tenovus later this year.

The 42-year-old from Nesscliffe, who balances a tough training regime with providing care for her 13-year-old son who has Down’s Syndrome, is running in memory of her mother and father-in-law, Phillip and Adele McCracken, from Gwersyllt, in Wrexham, who recently lost their cancer battles within eight months of each other.

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Emma, who lives with her husband Peter, 41, and three children, a son and two daughters aged six and two, said her in-laws were both in their mid-seventies when they were diagnosed with cancer.

She explained: “My father-in-law was struck down first with a brain tumor and was receiving treatment to manage the condition over 18 months.

“My mother-in-law cared for him until he passed away.

“She was just beginning to get her life back on track before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November 2022 – she died in January this year.”

Her efforts have now been boosted by Lock Stock Self Storage – the UK’s largest containerized storage company – which is sponsoring her for the Berlin Marathon to help her reach the £800 target.

Until last autumn, Emma, who helps out as a dinnertime supervisor at a local primary school, had only run 5k or 10k.

She was inspired by some running friends who were in training for the London Marathon and decided to give it a go, successfully applying for a place on behalf of Severn Hospice in Shropshire where her aunt had previously received care. 

Her efforts raised £3,200 for the charity against a target of £2,000.

Emma said donations from businesses like Lock Stock had been a lifeline during the current economic climate where many families were counting the pennies and had little spare income to donate.

She added: “Tenovus had a place in the Berlin Marathon and they said if I wanted to support them I could take part.

“I had already secured a place in the New York marathon through a sports tour operator but decided to carry on fundraising for Tenovus for that event too.”

Lock Stock Area Manager Rob Jones said they were touched by Emma’s story and they are ‘delighted’ to support her.

Emma is set to run the Berlin Marathon on September 24 and New York on November 5 and is busy training for both grueling races with three runs every week and yoga and strength training in between.

The mum of three added: “London was very tough, there were a few points along the way where I thought I can’t do this but you have to remember why you’re doing it.

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“My mother-in-law would’ve been really proud.

“She was a nurse by trade, and I always remember her saying she would’ve loved to run the London Marathon.

“This would have meant a lot to her.”

To support Emma’s fundraising challenges visit: https://tenovuscancercare.enthuse.com/pf/emma-mccracken/post/3351075