A MAN embarking on a "year of fundraising" will run four marathons across the Nordic islands from May to September, raising money in memory of his beloved aunt.

Witnessing first-hand the "incredible" care that Macmillan nurses, Willowbrook Hospice and NHS staff in St Helens took with his aunt Sahar before she passed in March 2021, Sami Dabbagh explained that he wanted to do something extraordinary to honour Sahar and those who cared for her.

As he now works away from home at Unilever in Stockholm, Sami decided on the idea to run four marathons across the Nordic islands, starting in Copenhagen in May 2022.

After the 26-mile race in Denmark, Sami will then run marathons in Stockholm (Sweden) in June, Helsinki (Finland) in August and Oslo (Norway) in September.

Another reason for the challenge, Sami explained, is because his aunt was a "very active" person who loved setting her own physically demanding challenges for charity.

St Helens Star: Sahar is described as a "bubbly, cheeky, and very active" personSahar is described as a "bubbly, cheeky, and very active" person (Image: Sami Dabbagh)

Sami, 30, said: "Sahar was a really bubbly, cheeky, and very active person.

"She loved to cycle and cycled all the way across Europe, but never understood people who ran such long distances - so the marathons are a bit of a cheeky challenge to honour her."

After getting the all clear from a rare form of cancer back in 2017 and experiencing a "second chance at life", Sahar was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in March 2020 and came back from Dubai to live with Sami's parents in Denton's Green during the pandemic.

Also returning home during this period after working away, Sami said that he is "so grateful" to spend precious time together as a family and witness the "incredible" care his aunt received.

St Helens Star: One of Sahar's passions was cycling, and she set herself extreme challenges cycling across EuropeOne of Sahar's passions was cycling, and she set herself extreme challenges cycling across Europe

Sami, originally from Oldham, added: "My aunt was unbelievably supported by those who cared for her, and it really did make such a difference in those difficult moments.

"I felt this in the community too, with a lot of local support and a real community spirit to help us get through this."

Reflecting on this, Sami said that he wanted to do "something different" with his fundraising to catch people's attention and raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Care.

The 30-year-old's training regime formally started last week and will gradually ramp up until his first race in May; and he hopes to complete further fundraising for charities close to his aunt's heart after the final race in September.

St Helens Star: Sami with his auntSami with his aunt

Sami added: "There is a bit of pressure, but I'm excited more than anything.

"The support I've had from family, friends and those donating to my fundraising page so far is incredibly touching and that really does spur me on."

Nicole McIlveen, Relationship Fundraising Manager at Macmillan, said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to Sami for taking on his marathon challenge in memory of his lovely aunt. Running a marathon is tough enough, never mind four – and in four different countries, too!

“The money Sami raises will be vital in helping us make sure we can continue to provide support for people affected by cancer across Merseyside and Cheshire. Fundraising for Macmillan really does make a big difference, especially as we recover from the impact of the pandemic.

“Remember there are lots of ways to fundraise for us, whether it’s running, walking, braving the shave, jumping out of a plane or hosting a Coffee Morning, we appreciate every single donation.”

To support Sami's incredible fundraising efforts, visit this link

St Helens Star: Sahar SalehSahar Saleh