A WIRRAL dad took on 'the toughest mountain race in the world' for a cancer support charity after his parents and fiancee were diagnosed with the disease within a space of months.
Rich Williams set off on 'The Dragons Back Race' - a 265 mile run following a route from Conway Castle, North Wales and running through the mountainous spine of Wales all the way to Cardiff Castle, South Wales - on September 2.
He crossed the finishing line six days later, on Saturday, September 7, after 58 hours and 36 minutes of running finishing in ninth position overall out of the 374 that started, with 124 managing to finish of that 374.
Rich, 41, who lives in Higher Bebington, had very personal reasons for taking part. His dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in April last year, and told it was incurable. That same day, his mum told him she also had breast cancer.
Just a few months later, in August, Rich's fiancee Naomi was diagnosed with breast cancer and it was growing quickly.
Rich said: "They say when it rains it pours, well pour it did, for me and my family. In 2023 my dad, the man I look up to, was told he had cancer, again, this time it was his lungs, and it was incurable, which as you can imagine for anyone was devastating to hear.
"But the story doesn’t end there, that same day my mum sat me down to also tell me she had found a lump, and her breast cancer was back.
"Not long after that, my partner, my fiancée, the mother of my child, told me she had found a lump in her breast, and that she too had cancer, at the age of 39. Not the hattrick I had hoped for."
Rich admitted it was like 'getting hit with a wrecking ball', but the couple found some light as a few days later, we found out Naomi was pregnant with our second child.
He continued: "Her cancer was growing quickly, so she had to have surgery urgently to remove the tumour, shortly after the surgery we had a routine scan of the baby's progress, only to be told devastating news that there was no heartbeat."
It was the second baby the couple had lost that year. There was no time to grieve the loss as Naomi had to carry on quickly with her treatment.
"Throughout this crazy journey, Naomi has had the support and still has the continued support of the Maggie’s centre, Wirral.
"The dedicated team were there to listen when she just needed to cry, with cake and warm cups of team.
"Along with specialist support groups like the young women’s cancer group she goes to where she has met other young women who have been told they too have cancer.
"Along with makeup sessions for women who are going through treatment and a plethora of other facilities and groups on offer.
"The support of Maggies is endless, not only did they support Naomi, but they also offered support to me.
"This amazing organisation can only operate by donations and fundraising, and now it’s time to give something back for all that they have done for me and my family."
The 'Dragons Back Race' was not Rich's first climb or challenge. He had done a few sporting challenges over the years involving the mountains, including the British Three Peaks, Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc and The Matterhorn, but this was by, far, his biggest.
In 2023 some experienced ultra running friends were talking about the race and wanted to do it in 2024 as it usually takes about 12 months of training. Rich decided to join them.
He said: "Throughout the race Naomi, my parents, my daughter and Maggies where a constant drive to keep pushing on and to get to Cardiff.
"I kept telling myself 'I am blessed to be here, I am blessed that I can run, I am fortunate to experience this'.
"I would think of the Naomi and what she'd give to have energy be out in the hills as it is something she loves too,
"I'd think of the patients that I saw in oncology and in Maggie's and what they would give to be able to move pain free.
"These where all little images I'd add to my fire to keep pushing on.
"I have to admit at times it was very emotional, and I got a bit tearful but again i turned it into positive energy and fuel for me to get to Cardiff.
"To see Naomi, my dad and family and the finish line was the greatest feeling I could have asked for.
"That feeling I had looking at them both and my mum, knowing that the money raised from completing this epic challenge is going to help and support so many others like my family at the Maggies Cancer Care Wirral.
"I am overwhelmed by the generous donations and messages that I received to help Maggie’s Centre, to continue doing their amazing work for every family that is going through their own cancer struggles now, and in the future.
Kathy Wright, centre Head at Maggie’s, said: "We are incredibly thankful to Rich for his fundraising achievements, and outstanding efforts, which will make a huge difference to our centre visitors.
"We cannot thank him enough, for taking on such a tough physical challenge during difficult times for him and his family. We are pleased to hear that Rich and his family have found comfort at Maggie’s.
"If you or anyone you know is struggling with the impact of cancer, please do just drop in. We’re here to support anyone affected by cancer, along with friends and family.
"We provide free practical, emotional and psychological support through an evidence-based programme of support.”
You can add to the donations following this link https://www.justgiving.com/page/1724179834951 .
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