One of our supporters Marc Cohen has gone the extra mile times 26 –  in a double marathon effort this year.

Having completed the Manchester marathon, the 31-year-old from Belsize Park has also run the London one. His epic challenge has already raised £5,400 for us.

Marc’s  four-year-old nephew Jake was diagnosed with neuroblastoma last July and since his diagnosis, has been one of the many families we support.

Although Marc has run marathons in past, he said he had not planned to do one this year. “But when Jake was diagnosed I started running a lot more again as I find it a real help.

“I also wanted to do something for Camp Simcha as they have been incredible to my family. I decided to do the double marathon to up the challenge and to raise extra money.”

“They have provided a therapy dog and art sessions, which have brought fun and distraction for Jake; trips and outings which he and his little sister Phoebe have loved and a range of practical and emotional support for my brother Adam and sister-in-law Hannah. They have really helped take some of the strain away by supporting them with the day-to-day stuff.”

Marc completed part one of his challenge, finishing the Manchester marathon in 3 hours 46 minutes.

“It was my quickest time by 11 minutes so I am very pleased. My brother and everyone managed to come up as well and it was amazing having them there.”

“That is the main difference in my training this time round – I have really worked on my recovery routine… lot of stretches, foam rolling, protein shakes and some not so flattering recovery leggings have made recovery a lot quicker.

Marc is one of Camp Simcha’s nine London marathon runners this year along with Abraham Amselem; former Camp Simcha volunteer Isaac Bentata; Yiddy Gertner; Katherine Hinchcliffe;   former Camp Simcha parent Evan Morris; Jonny Phillips; Mel Ross and Michael Seitler.