A Bolton Rugby fan is close to completing an incredible six-nation challenge in memory of his late father. Thomas Relph from Bolton decided to undertake a monumental challenge running six half-marathons in the in the Rugby Six Nations 2024 countries to raise funds for The Christie Charity. Thomas lost his father, Mark Relph, to cancer in July last year after undergoing several surgeries combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy since his diagnosis in 2021.
Despite receiving the all-clear in 2022 after major surgery, Mark’s cancer returned at the start of last year. He had further chemotherapy in July 2023 until he had a stroke and cardiac arrests and sadly died aged 66. Thomas’ first half-marathon took place in Paris in March, followed by Florence, Edinburgh, and Belfast, with the next one coming up in Cardiff on Sunday 6th October and the final half-marathon will be a special homecoming run in Manchester on Sunday 13th October.
(Image: The Christie Charity) Thomas' brother, Oliver, Mark and Thomas He works in land and property for the Manchester-based Russell Homes and Russell WBHO who provided a Christmas donation to The Christie Charity in memory of his late father. Thomas said: “Since Dad was diagnosed with cancer, I always wanted to do something to try and raise some money for The Christie Charity, but COVID-19 and a new-born son meant time soon got away from me. “After he died, I felt I needed to do something for The Christie as they cared for my dad so much t.