This weekend not only marks the 63rd Merseyside meeting in the Premier League between rivals Liverpool and Everton, but is also significant for the Dowling brothers, who have put their footballing differences aside for a great cause.
Everton first-team strength and conditioning coach Jack Dowling has set himself the incredible challenge of running 26 marathons in only 26 weeks to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support after his brother Tom was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer last year.
“In 2022, Tom was diagnosed with cancer, and we will continue to be supported by Macmillan Cancer Support teams throughout his treatment," Jack said. "I want to give back in the best way I know how – running!”
Despite launching his online giving page a little over a week ago, Jack has seen his fundraising total rocket to nearly £4,500 and he has also received support from within the Everton community and footballing family.
"The response has been really moving," Jack said. "It’s given me a real boost and made me more determined to raise as much money as I can to say, 'Thank you'."
Tom, six years older than his brother, is a lifelong Liverpool fan as well as being a qualified FA referee.
After he had bowel cancer diagnosed, Tom has received treatment at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Aintree University Hospital, as well as palliative chemotherapy at the Marina Dalglish Unit, named in recognition of the wife of former Liverpool player and manager, Sir Kenny Daglish, and her tireless work to improve the lives of those living with cancer.
Jack felt an appropriate way of showing his support for his brother was to tackle “Project 26:26”, the equivalent distance of running from Liverpool to Berlin, to thank the Macmillan teams.
“It’s going to be a difficult thing to do, mainly in terms of juggling the marathon schedule and recovery around family, work and other commitments, but I have seen first-hand the difference that Macmillan and other support teams, particularly at the specialist centres where Tom’s been treated, are making day in and day out,” Jack said.
“This is what has inspired me to take on this challenge and to give a little something back.”
Jack will begin his first of 26 marathons in Crosby, Liverpool this Sunday at 06:15 and aims to finish the immense challenge 26 weeks later at the London Marathon in April 2024.
Jack’s fundraising page is available via JustGiving or you can follow his progress on Instagram via @jdphysicalprep or online at project2626.info.