Brothers-in-law take on gruelling fundraiser to raise thousands for cancer charity

Craig Duff was joined by brother-in-law Jack Royle on the monster challenge, which saw the pair complete a 138-mile bike ride – taking in the North East coastline – and then a half marathon

Craig, who attended Durham University, was inspired to take on the task after wife Gemma, originally from Billingham, was diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer last October.

Together with Jack, Craig decided to take on the Great North Run in 2020 to raise money for the cancer charity.

When the famous race was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the pair still planned to do their bit.

Craig said: “After Gemma was diagnosed last year, Jack and I decided over a few drinks that we wanted to do something to raise money.

"I had originally signed up to do the Great North Run for Breast Cancer Now and had planned to do the coast to coast on the Saturday and the run on the Sunday.

"Even though the run was cancelled, I still wanted to do it so we did the bike ride and then I just wanted the run over with, so I did them both on Saturday.

"It was tough. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t regretting it while running through Seaham at 7.30pm on Saturday evening and even though there were some tough bits, we really enjoyed it.”

The half marathon distance took Craig, who met Gemma at university, from Roker to his father-in-law’s house in Easington

Together, the duo hoped to raise £2,500 for the charity’s work. Instead, they’ve been blown away after receiving more than £6,000 in donations so far.

Craig, who works as a solicitor and is from Wiltshire, added: “I’m amazed to beat the target, the original target was ambitious but to raise the amount that we have is just unbelievable.

"We just wanted to feel like we were doing something to help.”

If you wish to donate to Craig’s fundraiser, you can do so by clicking here.

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