A MAN will complete a 60,000-metre row tomorrow in memory of two family members lost to cancer.

As he approaches his 60th birthday, John Stigwood will row for an estimated 6 hours on Tuesday, April 19.

John will complete the challenge at Heavenly Bodies gym in Moorside, Oldham, in honour of his mum and his daughter-in-law's mum who both lost their lives to cancer.

As John is from Oldham and his daughter-in-law's family are from St Helens, he will be splitting the money raised between Dr. Kershaw's Hospice and Willowbrook Hospice - which looked after each family member as they neared the end of their life.

Complications caused by the pandemic and John's fibromyalgia condition have delayed his fundraising idea, but he has remained resolute in his determination to complete the challenge.

As John's 60th birthday approaches, the HGV driver thought that the 60km challenge tied in well with the occasion as well as the upcoming five-year anniversary of the pair's passing.

John's daughter Rachel, who lives in Lea Green with her partner, said: "My nan and my wife's mum both had cancer at the same time a few years ago.

"It was tough but we were so grateful for the end-of-life care that Willowbrook and Dr. Kershaw's gave to our family at the time.

"It has taken my dad a while to build his fitness back up due to his condition, but he has stuck to his pledge to raise money for the two charities."

After months of preparation, John is said to be excited but a "little nervous" about the 60,000-metre challenge which is equivalent to rowing around 37 miles, more than the distance between Liverpool and Manchester.

To support John's fusndraising effort and donate to Willowbrook Hospice and Dr. Kershaw's Hopice, follow this link