Matt’s half marathon challenge for his mum on a very special day

A caring son aims to go a long way this Mother’s Day to show just how much his beloved mum means to him.

Matt Beardwell, from Aspull, hopes to be among hundreds of people lining up to take part in Run Wigan Festival’s half marathon on Sunday - if it isn’t cancelled due to coronavirus.

Fearing that the Government may announce the banning of mass gatherings in the next few days, organisers at the weekend suspended registration for the event as it awaits further news.

Were it to be axed, it would be the second time in three years that it has been derailed, the previous one being due to icy conditions.

The 13.1-mile race would be the second he has tackled to raise money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation in memory of his mother Julie, who died in 2016 from ovarian cancer. She received treatment at the specialist Rosemere Cancer Centre at Royal Preston Hospital, which the foundation supports.

Matt, who works for holiday firm Shearings, said: “Staff at Rosemere Cancer Centre not only cared for my mum but they also supported us.

“Over the years, my dad Stephen and his friends have raised over £6,000 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation, mainly through sponsored cycle challenges. I have taken part in some of them but last year, I raised over £350 by completing the Chester half marathon and this year, I pledge to raise even more money for Rosemere.”

The 25-year-old finished the Chester race last year in two hours 27 minutes, and hopes to complete the Wigan one within two hours.

He has already surpassed his original fund-raising target of £100 and hopes to collect even more cash for the charity. Donations to support Matt can be made online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-beardwell1.

Rosemere Cancer Foundation funds cutting-edge equipment, research, training and other cancer services and therapies that the NHS is unable to afford.

If it isn’t axed because of Covid-19, Run Wigan Festival will see thousands of people descend on the town centre to take part in a half marathon, 10-miler, 5k or family mile.

Medals will be presented to people crossing the finish line, while they can also claim a free pie, enjoy live music and pick up free tickets to Wigan Warriors’ match against Catalans later that day.

The event is organised by charity Joining Jack to fund research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.