|  |  |  | | | | DAD IN MARATHON RUN FOR DAUGHTER | | | | |
| |  Will Austin
Release Date: 12th April 2005
AN Axminster man is taking on the Flora London Marathon in April, after his daughter battled against leukaemia.
Will Austin, 40, from Kilmington is taking on the 26-mile challenge on Sunday 17th April 2005 for Leukaemia Research - the UK’s leading blood cancer charity - as his way of saying thank you to the doctors and researchers who played a part in helping to save his daughter's life.
In 1998 when Mattie was only 15 months old, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood leukaemia. ALL affects white blood cells that are a vital part of the body’s immune system.
Her battle against the disease was long and hard, and she spent three weeks in intensive care at Bristol Children's Hospital. After the chemotherapy, Mattie was left with a number of long-term side effects, but now she has been off treatment for four years.
Last year, Mattie's mum Julie Austin raised over £5,000 for Leukaemia Research when she took part in the Flora London Marathon. Will is hoping to top up his wife’s efforts with at least a further £2,000.
"We now have an adorable seven year old daughter, for whom the illness is a distant memory. Taking part in the Flora London Marathon for Leukaemia Research would be my way of saying thanks as well as contributing to improve treatments so we can rid of this terrible illness once and for all," says Will, a Local Government Officer.
Will has been running around 45 miles a week since giving up smoking and in preparation for the big day.
"Up until last year I had been a smoker for 25 years. Since kicking the habit, I decided to get fit and so began running around East Devon. To do the London Marathon and to do it for Leukaemia Research in their Banana Army is great," he adds.
As well as having Julie and his family supporting him on the day, Will will be running in good company as he passes by some of London’s most famous landmarks. As part of the Leukaemia Research TVTimes & Asics celebrity running team he will be running alongside a variety of TV celebrities from programmes such as Emmerdale, Monarch of the Glen and The Bill.
To sponsor Will on his run visit www.justgiving.com/willaustin
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