Nathan Grant’s brother Christopher died from cancer aged just 34

A Winchmore Hill resident has run the entire length of England in memory of his brother.

Nathan Grant aimed to raise £10,000 for Cancer Research UK with his 500-mile run from the Scottish border in Cumbria to Land’s End in Cornwall, but smashed his target by the time his run finished at the weekend with more than £14,000 raised.

Nathan’s brother Christopher lost his battle with cancer in August 2023, leaving his three-year-old daughter without a father. In his honour Nathan took on the England running challenge this month, starting on 1st October and finishing on Saturday (19th), having run nearly 30 miles per day.

For moral support Nathan was joined for long sections of his run by his partner, Love Island star Danica Taylor, who celebrated with him at the finish line in Cornwall.

Nathan said: “This run was about a promise I made to my brother while he was fighting for his life. This was not only a physical challenge, but me trying to find myself and process grief in the only way I knew how to.

“I feel spiritually lifted that I’ve kept my promise in running the length of England and hopefully I’ve inspired others who are facing adversity to find strength within and to continue their own marathon.”

Danica said: “This experience was enlightening in so many ways. Seeing the pure strength, determination and selflessness to carry out an extraordinary task is something many never get to experience. Being a part of this showed me how I truly can do anything I put my mind to, and I really want to be an advocate for this to my generation.”

Paula Young from Cancer Research UK added: “Nathan’s determination to complete this gruelling challenge in memory of his brother is incredible and we would like to thank both Nathan and Danica from the bottom of our hearts for everything they’re doing to raise funds and awareness for such an important cause. Nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. All of us can support the research that will beat it.”

Donate to Cancer Research UK via Nathan’s fundraising page:
Visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/englandvictorylap

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