A FAMILY from Widnes has teamed up to run marathons in memory of their dad.

Alan Myler, 36, his brother Jonathan, 24, and sisters Natalie, 31, and Jennifer, 27, have so far raised more than £2,000 for North West Cancer Research after losing their dad Brian, 58, in June last year.

Widnes Vikings fan dad-of-five Brian, the nephew of rugby legend Frank Myler, from Weates Close, died just three days after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.

His children want to raise awareness and urge people to see a doctor if they suspect any symptoms.

“The only warning signs that prompted dad to see his GP were severe indigestion and weight loss due to being unable to finish meals,” said Alan, of Haig Road.

“This quickly escalated to pain in his side and he went to A&E. Tests revealed growths in his lung and liver. Oesophageal cancer was discovered as the primary source.

“His death has brought us closer than ever. We want to raise money for this amazing charity and do something positive rather than being sad and angry from grief.”

It was a test of endurance competing in the Blackpool Marathon on Sunday, April 24 as Alan struggled with a sprained ankle and Jonathan had a suspected fracture in his foot.

“I hobbled the last 10 miles,” said Alan, who has completed 380 miles since he launched the challenge in October.

“I was in a lot of pain. I fell over in the Sheffield Half Marathon and foolishly carried on running.”

Natalie, Jennifer and Jennifer’s boyfriend Paul Mullarkey completed the 10k Blackpool Half Marathon on Sunday.

Alan has been running three times a week and training in the gym three times a week to train to prepare for his test of endurance.

He has vowed to complete the half marathon and the 10k on the same day in the Greater Manchester Run on Sunday, May 28.

“We’re really happy that we have already hit more than £2,000,” added Alan,” who works as a quality manager testing and certifying products.

“We want to say a big thank you to everyone for their support. It means the world to us.

“It was a great day being altogether in Blackpool and we’re really proud of our achievement.

“I’m sure dad would have been beaming with pride.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/teams/mylersnwcr.