A KNUTSFORD man is running his first marathon to thank medics for striving to save his mum’s life with pioneering treatment.

Jake Atkinson is tackling the Manchester Marathon on Sunday as his mum, Adele is being treated for a rare form of blood cancer.

The 29-year-old will be joined by his cousins Sam Holcroft, 29, and Alex, 27, to make their debut in the 26-mile event.

The trio will be joining 50,000 runners in the UK's second largest marathon.

Knutsford Guardian: Jake Atkinson, far right, with cousins Sam and Alex HolcroftJake Atkinson, far right, with cousins Sam and Alex Holcroft (Image: The Christie Charity)

Adele, from Over Peover, has recently been diagnosed with Myelodysplasia.

Jake said: “This has been a complete shock for us and turned our world upside down.

"We couldn’t get through this without the incredible support that The Christie has given her and us as a family."

“We wanted to raise funds for The Christie Charity so they can keep supporting others the way they have been doing with my mum.

“We want to show her that we are right next to her fighting this with her.”

Knutsford Guardian: From left, Alex and Adele Atkinson with son Jake and his girlfriend AlexFrom left, Alex and Adele Atkinson with son Jake and his girlfriend Alex (Image: The Christie Charity)

So far, he said, his mum is responding well to treatment.

Jake said: “The Christie is our only lifeline at the moment and we couldn’t have got this far without their support.

“Myelodysplasia is such a hard form of cancer to tackle, so it’s important that The Christie is constantly supported to ensure the research is constant and moving forward.

“The Christie staff are doing all they can to get mum on a trial - it is the only hospital in the UK able to run this trial.

“We’re so lucky to have it close by so she can receive some of the best care in Europe for what she’s going through.”

Jake, head of food and beverages for the Vita Group in Alderley Edge, said he has been overwhelmed with support from the local community.

“We’ve had an amazing response,” he said.

“Training has been tough, but having raised just under £12,000, has given us all a huge boost.

“Every time I’m out there I feel incredibly motivated to keep going and keep raising awareness to push the donations up.

“Any support toward this would mean the world to us and my wonderful mum.

"I've got friends on every corner cheering us on. It will be massively emotional when we reach the finish line."

To donate visit Jake Atkinson is fundraising for THE CHRISTIE CHARITY (justgiving.com)