Great British Bake Off star completes virtual marathon in Mid Sussex in honour of her dad who has cancer

Great British Bake Off star Steph Blackwell completed a virtual marathon around Mid Sussex in honour of her dad who has cancer.
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Steph, 29, who was a finalist in the 2019 Great British Bake Off, took on the virtual Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday with her uncle, John Blackwell, who lives in Lindfield.

The pair set off from the Bent Arms in Lindfield and jogged five miles to the outskirts of Haywards Heath and back.

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After a short break, they set off on the ‘Sloop Loop’, an eight-mile run to the Sloop Inn at Scaynes Hill, on to Town Place Garden, past the Bluebell Vineyard.

Great British Bake Off star Steph Blackwell with her uncle, John BlackwellGreat British Bake Off star Steph Blackwell with her uncle, John Blackwell
Great British Bake Off star Steph Blackwell with her uncle, John Blackwell

Steph said this week: “I’m shattered! It was a wet slog but we did it! I ache but I’m ok and in awe of my uncle John who managed it with a fair few years on me!”

During lockdown, Steph received the heartbreaking news that her dad, Roger, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and incurable bowel cancer. His treatment was also delayed for six weeks because of Covid-19 restrictions.

“Probably like every other family that has been affected by this terrible disease, it has been a massive shock,” said Steph.

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“We’ve felt it all – fear, anger, frustration, helplessness. But despite this, we’ve tried to remain positive.

Great British Bake Off star Steph Blackwell with her dad, Roger (middle), and uncle, John (left)Great British Bake Off star Steph Blackwell with her dad, Roger (middle), and uncle, John (left)
Great British Bake Off star Steph Blackwell with her dad, Roger (middle), and uncle, John (left)

“Dad is fighting so hard and we’re in awe of his strength.

“It has also made us determined to help, specifically, raising money to assist the fantastic research projects supported by Cancer Research UK.”

She said she is not sure she has fully processed her dad’s diagnosis properly.

“I think doing the marathon was partly a diversion tactic,” said Steph, adding: “But John and I are quite similar – we are quite driven people – and there is just that thing about wanting to help in some way.”

Steph with her dad, RogerSteph with her dad, Roger
Steph with her dad, Roger
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John, 70, a former leader of the RAF Red Arrows, said: “Roger is my little brother so looking after him is supposed to be my job in life. It doesn’t seem fair that he is running into trouble first.”

Steph and John have raised more than £21,000 for Cancer Research UK. They aim to raise £25,000, with 20 per cent of the money going to the Cancer Fund at the Dorset County Hospital, where Roger, who lives in Dorchester, is being treated.

Cancer Research UK announced last month that it had lost £160million income in this financial year and been forced to cut its research budget by £44m.

Sharon Baldwin, fundraising manager for Cancer Research UK in West Sussex, said: “We’re very grateful to Steph and John for taking on this challenge.

Steph Blackwell was a finalist in the 2019 Great British Bake Off. Picture: Cancer Research UKSteph Blackwell was a finalist in the 2019 Great British Bake Off. Picture: Cancer Research UK
Steph Blackwell was a finalist in the 2019 Great British Bake Off. Picture: Cancer Research UK
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“Cancer Research UK has suffered a devastating loss in income as a result of the pandemic and cuts to our life-saving research are difficult, but sadly unavoidable. This will have long term consequences for our research and ultimately patients.

“But Steph and John are helping us recover. They have already raised a huge amount of money and hope that many more people will donate too and help spur them on. We will use every penny wisely.”

To make a donation to Steph and John, visit https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/stephs-giving-page-826.