Two best friends are gearing up for an extraordinary feat: running 15 marathons in 15 consecutive days to honor their beloved family members lost to cancer. Milo Young, 26, from Bath, Somerset, and Gabe Maddison, 26, from Purton near Swindon, are determined to push themselves “to the limit” while raising funds for cancer charity Purple Heart Wishes.
Milo lost his mother, Natalie Young, to colon cancer in December 2024, just five months after her diagnosis. Gabe has also felt cancer’s impact deeply, having lost his uncle Alex Meers to leukemia in 2006 and his grandfather Peter Maddison to prostate cancer in 2014.
Neither has completed a marathon before this challenge, but the duo will embark on a 393-mile journey from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Brighton starting July 5. Their goal is to raise £10,000 for Purple Heart Wishes, a charity that creates memorable experiences for people living with terminal illnesses.
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Their training has been intense and disciplined, with relentless daily workouts, gym sessions, and running. Yet Milo and Gabe acknowledge that enduring this marathon series is only a glimpse of the suffering their loved ones faced. They find motivation in the memories of those they’ve lost, often reminding themselves that if they “have to crawl” to cross the finish line, it will be worth it.
“My mum was an incredibly kind person who always supported me,” Milo shared. “She would be so proud and cheering me on every step of the way.” Gabe added, “What they’ve gone through is far tougher than any physical challenge. We want to push ourselves a little to honor them.”
The friends met at the University of Sussex and bonded through their shared passion for sports and football. Their training includes early morning workouts, gym sessions after work, and long runs — a rigorous regimen that has tested their endurance and resolve.
Despite some injuries like Milo’s runner’s knee and Gabe’s Achilles strain, they’ve persevered, drawing inspiration from extreme endurance athletes like Russ Cook, known for running the full length of Africa.
Their journey will be supported by Milo’s father, Gary, who will supervise their progress in a charity-branded Jeep, ensuring they stay fueled and hydrated. Local businesses have donated supplies such as tea, coffee, and energy gels to support the runners throughout the challenge.
Milo and Gabe expect the middle stretch of the race to be especially demanding, but the final part near Brighton is poised to be a highlighted moment, with anticipated cheering crowds and community support. Their fundraising has already reached £8,000 thanks to generous contributions from friends, family, and supporters.
Choosing to help Purple Heart Wishes reflects their desire to make a meaningful impact through a charity close to home. Gabe expressed, “No matter what happens, life is there to be enjoyed and celebrated.”
As the marathon countdown begins, the friends remain committed. “There will be days when it feels impossible,” Milo admits. “But pushing through will be a small tribute to those we love and miss.”