A LOVING husband from Penistone will be taking part in an intense 15-part fundraising challenge that will culminate in him completing four marathons in the space of seven weeks.
Oliver Simon Pike – who goes by his middle name – committed himself to the so-called ‘15 activity challenge’ earlier in the year after his wife Lynsey Milligan was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Over the course of the year, he will be taking part in intense fundraising activities including marathons, triathlons and a race across the Yorkshire Three Peaks as he raises funds for Breast Cancer Now.
Simon told the Chronicle: “The treatment’s been going favourable for my wife.
“When it began there was a lot of worrying and sitting about, and I watched the London Marathon and thought I wanted to do something for Breast Cancer Now.
“She had 15 days of radiotherapy so I thought it was a good idea to do 15 challenges for her.
“Until you’ve gone through the procedures you don’t see how much it takes out of you.
“Radiotherapy really does drain you, she suffered with real chronic fatigue throughout.
“She’s been discharged from Weston Park – we’re just hoping it carries on now.
“The care that Barnsley Hospital and Weston Park have provided my wife has been amazing.”
Simon has already completed two of the challenges, a triathlon and 17.6-mile fell race, which saw him running off-road, both up and down hill, raising almost £1,000.
Now the Penistone Footpath Runner is preparing to take on three half marathons before Christmas, with a further ten events next year.
“The triathlon was difficult,” he added.
“As you can imagine I’m more of a runner, so the swimming and cycling was a challenge.
“I’m just gonna keep preparing now – I want to up my mileage for running as we build up to Christmas.
“Then I’ll be using the races to keep fit for the next challenge.
“I’m aiming to run about 40 or 50 miles a week.
“The big one will be the three peaks race because they’re very strict with timings.
“I’m hoping to complete it in about four hours.”
This fundraising champion has been put forward for this year’s Proud of Barnsley.
He said: “When I learnt of this the first thing that went through my mind was shock that my challenge would merit a nomination.
“I feel honoured to have this nomination, which will help me raise awareness for Breast Cancer Now and all that they do to help with treatment, care, research and after care.
“But I’m humbled that people think this challenge deserves further recognition – I know that it’s pushing me to my limit.
“When I tell fellow runners what I’m doing they’re shocked and ask ‘you’re doing how much?’.”
To donate, click here.
