Man to run half marathon after father's cancer death

A man is to run a half marathon to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK in tribute to his father, who died just 28 days after being diagnosed with the disease.

Daniel Battams-Scott, from Maidstone, will run the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 12 April with his sister-in-law, Suzanna Steward.

They have already raised £21,000, which the charity said would be used for research and vital support for those affected by the disease.

Recalling the moment his father was diagnosed, the 30-year-old said: "I watched my dad drop his head into his hands. I saw his shoulders shake. The strongest man I've ever known, breaking in front of me. In that moment, something inside me broke too."

Towards the end of 2024, Daniel had just returned home from holiday with his partner when he found out his dad, Brian, had not been well.

The couple promptly made the three-hour journey to see him.

"Nothing could have prepared me for opening that door," said Daniel. "The weight loss was shocking. Dramatic.

"He looked smaller somehow - not just thinner, but diminished. I remember trying to compose myself.

"Without anyone saying it out loud, I knew this was serious."

Living 128 miles (205km) away but still having to work, he frequently travelled back and forth to help his parents.

In December 2024, he drove them to a hospital appointment where a consultant revealed Brian had pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver and spleen.

Just after the new year, an ambulance was called for Brian as he couldn't stand.

He died aged 59 in January 2025.

Kerry Thomas, head of public fundraising at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: "We are incredibly grateful that Daniel is supporting us in memory of his dad, Brian.

"He should be so proud of the amount he has already raised to go towards transforming the survival of pancreatic cancer."

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