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Thanet teacher running two marathons in 24 hours for nephew Miles Stockwell

A teacher is running two marathons in 24 hours to raise money for his young nephew who is battling bone cancer.

Doting uncle Mal Graves, from Chartham near Canterbury, is undertaking the gruelling challenge in aid of 14-year-old Miles Stockwell, who recently underwent a full leg amputation.

Mal Graves is running the distance of two marathons in 24 hours, to raise money for his beloved nephew Miles Stockwell. Picture: Mal Graves
Mal Graves is running the distance of two marathons in 24 hours, to raise money for his beloved nephew Miles Stockwell. Picture: Mal Graves

Simon Langton Boys’ pupil Miles, from Herne Bay, was diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer shortly before Christmas.

An “extensive” tumour was found in his left knee and spread up his leg.

Medics had initially hoped they could save the limb, but Miles was given the devastating news it must be removed.

Miles - a natural sportsman who is a much-loved member of Whitstable Town FC - underwent the major operation in April, but his prognosis remains unclear.

His mum, Sarah Luckhurst, said: “He’ll finish chemo in August, all being well. We’re really, really hoping then that his prognosis will be really good. But at the moment, it’s still uncertain.”

Miles Stockwell, 14. Picture: Sarah Luckhurst (56713502)
Miles Stockwell, 14. Picture: Sarah Luckhurst (56713502)

Determined to help give his “incredible” nephew the best future possible, Mr Graves plans to raise funds by “running, walking, jogging or crawling” a distance of 52.4 miles in just one day.

Across Thursday and Friday (June 16 and 17) he will run through day and night to complete the equivalent of two marathons.

His route will start at St Edmund’s Catholic School in Dover - where he is deputy head - before making his way to Ursuline College in Westgate-on-Sea and St Anselm’s in Canterbury, before returning to St Edmund’s.

The former PE teacher has already undertaken several fundraisers in the past, including seven London Marathons, a 24-hour ‘danceathon’, and the Three Peaks Challenge.

“I try to do something every couple of years just to raise some money,” said Mr Graves, 45.

“Coincidentally, I raise for Teenage Cancer Trust, so it’s ironic really now, with the situation with Miles.”

Mal Graves, who is set to run two marathons in one day to raise money for his nephew, Miles Stockwell
Mal Graves, who is set to run two marathons in one day to raise money for his nephew, Miles Stockwell

The dad-of-three says his double-marathon will be “without a shadow of a doubt” the furthest he’s run.

“I’m a little bit apprehensive but quite excited,” he said. “It’s just good to do something to contribute towards Miles’ future. It will be rewarding.

“Since his diagnosis in 2021 he has faced gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and had his left leg amputated.

“Throughout, he has shown bravery and resilience well beyond his years and inspired me with his strength.

“What better tribute to this incredible young man than running two marathons in a day?”

Mr Graves, 45, hopes to raise between £5,000 and £10,000. Donate here.

The majority of the money will go towards Miles’ future - helping him access things like rehabilitation, therapy, prosthetics, and any necessary treatment - while a portion will go to Teenage Cancer Trust.

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