An Aberdeenshire man is training on an oil rig in the North Sea to run the TCS London Marathon in memory of his father, who died from a rare cancer called leiomyosarcoma.
Kris Cheyne, 41, from Ladysbridge near Banff, is a medic who spends weeks at a time on an oil rig. While offshore, he continues his training on a treadmill to get in shape for the event on 21 April, where he will be fundraising for Sarcoma UK. Kris’ father, Stewart, died ten years ago from leiomyosarcoma, which accounts for just 0.17% of all cancers.
Although Kris has taken part in fundraisers before, this will be the first time he has run a full marathon. Kris said: “I’ve always wanted to participate in the London Marathon, but my work rota hasn’t aligned for me to be onshore in the last few years. 2024 will be the 10th anniversary since my father’s death, and I would be honoured to mark this event by raising money again for Sarcoma UK as it is a charity so close to our hearts.”
Kris works for TAQA Bratani, an international energy and water company, that has offered to match his fundraising.
When he is onshore, Kris continues to regularly work as an NHS nurse in Aberdeen’s A&E department where he has been a member of the team since 2008. While offshore, he once saw a patient with a lump on his body and advised him to get it checked. It turned out to be sarcoma.
Sarcoma UK’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, Kerry Reeves-Kneip, said: “Sarcoma UK is currently funding research into improving treatment for leiomyosarcoma, the rare cancer that claimed the life of Kris’ father. Kris’ efforts will help us fund more of the vital research needed for sarcoma, offer support to anyone affected by sarcoma, and campaign for better treatments.”
You can donate to Kris’ run at www.justgiving.com/page/krischeyne-london2024
