Giving something back in memory of his mum

A CITY medical student is tackling his first Great West Run on Sunday in memory of his mother.

Matthew Swallow, 19, of Barrack Road, hopes to raise £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support after his mother died from the disease earlier this year.

Matthew Swallow prepares to enter the Great West Run in memory of his mother Jennifer, inset, who died from cancer last year LAURENCE UNDERHILL EE220409_LU01_05

The second-year Exeter University student found the charity, which provides practical, medical, emotional and financial support for people affected by cancer, a great help during his mother Jennifer Swallow's final months.

"Mum was diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2008," said Matthew. "It came as a great shock to all of us, as she had otherwise been fit and healthy.

"She went through three bouts of chemotherapy and had the new drug Tarceva, which is meant to shrink the cancer."

When the chemo proved unsuccessful, Jennifer moved to a hospice, called the Duchess of Kent House, in her home town of Reading. She spent her final months there before she died in February this year, aged 57.

She left a husband Philip, four other children — Jane, 35, Daniel, 34, Adam, 21, and Peter, 16, — and four grandchildren, one of whom was born on the day she died.

"The hospice where Mum stayed was amazing," said Matthew.

"The care she received from the nurses was of a really high standard. They were very accommodating of the family when we visited and let us all eat meals together.

"The facilities were fantastic, with special beds so she was as comfortable as possible.

"The home was largely funded by Macmillan, so that is why I want to give something back."

Matthew has been going on regular jogs in the lead up to his half marathon. He said: "I have been running all over Exeter; I often jog to the city centre and back if I need to go to the bank.

"I have also been trying to eat healthily by cooking lots of vegetables.

"I'm really looking forward to the run and hope that the there will be plenty of people coming to cheer the runners on."

If you would like to support Matthew by sponsoring him, visit www.justgiving.com/matthewswallow.

See the Echo's Great West Run coverage at www.thisisexeter.co. uk/greatwestrun.