Peter Dunlop, a dedicated runner from Taunton, is about to finish an extraordinary challenge: completing twelve marathons in twelve consecutive months across Europe and the UK. This grueling effort honors the memory of his mother, Jane, who tragically lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.
His final race will take place at the Goodwood Motor Circuit on Sunday, December 7, marking the conclusion of a campaign filled with physical endurance and personal dedication. Each marathon represents a month of life Jane survived after her pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Starting on January 5 in Pisa, Italy, Peter has now covered more than 1,000 miles across six countries, while raising over £24,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK. Reflecting on his journey, the 39-year-old shared, “The loss of my mum was devastating, and when my uncle passed away from the same disease just a week after his diagnosis, it made this campaign even more personal. Running each marathon was tough, but it reminded me why I’m doing this.”
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Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest cancers in the UK, with over half of those diagnosed dying within three months. The disease’s early symptoms—such as back pain, indigestion, and weight loss—are vague, often leading to late diagnosis. Around 80% of cases are detected at an advanced stage, making timely treatment and survival a critical challenge.
Jane was diagnosed in September 2016 while Peter and his wife Robyn were living in New Zealand. Despite being offered sponsorship to stay abroad, they made the difficult decision to return home quickly after receiving the heartbreaking news. Peter recalls, “Seeing her condition deteriorate so rapidly was shocking—she had lost a drastic amount of weight.”
Jane endured an intensive chemotherapy regimen that enabled precious family moments, including a final cruise holiday. She passed away nearly a year after her diagnosis, in September 2017, at the age of 63.
Peter credits his mother’s strength throughout her illness as the inspiration behind his marathon challenge. “Remembering Mum’s resilience helped me push through some of the hardest parts of this journey,” he said.
Memorable highlights from his year of marathons included setting a personal best in Amsterdam and participating in the 2025 TCS London Marathon, where Pancreatic Cancer UK was the official charity partner.
Beyond raising funds, Peter has found that the challenge helped him openly confront his grief. “This journey has helped me talk about my mum’s passing in ways I struggled with before.”
Peter has also become a passionate advocate for greater awareness and research funding for pancreatic cancer, which currently receives only 3% of the UK’s annual cancer research budget. “Unlike other cancers where advances have been made, survival rates for pancreatic cancer haven’t improved since the 1970s,” he noted.
In April, Peter joined hundreds of runners in the London Marathon to support a groundbreaking breath test trialled by Pancreatic Cancer UK, aimed at diagnosing pancreatic cancer earlier. The charity has invested over £1.1 million in this project, which involves more than 6,000 patients with undiagnosed symptoms.
Kerry Thomas, Head of Public Fundraising at Pancreatic Cancer UK, congratulated Peter: “Completing 12 marathons is an incredible achievement and a moving tribute to his loved ones. The funds raised will fuel vital support services and research to give hope to those affected.”
Peter’s final marathon in Chichester will be witnessed by family and friends, including his wife Robyn, who has supported him unwaveringly throughout the year.