Radiotherapy Appeal run in half marathon raises over £13,500
A husband, whose wife was diagnosed with cancer, has raised over £13,500 for the Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal at Southend Hospital after running this year’s Southend Half Marathon.
Dan Boughtwood, originally from New Zealand, now lives in Leigh with his wife Hanna and their three young children and was inspired to take on the challenge after Hanna was diagnosed with a viral cancer, linked to HPV, in late 2024. In March this year, she began an intensive six-week course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Encouraged by the great care Hanna received, Dan decided he wanted to do something to give back. He said: “The radiotherapy team were just incredible, they were fast, efficient, and so kind. We were lucky to have such amazing support from our family - but I kept thinking how awful it must be for those that don’t have that same support.”
Though not a regular runner, Dan turned to running to cope during such a difficult time, often taking strength from the positive mindset of patients undergoing treatment. He trained despite suffering a calf injury, determined to cross the finish line for the cause - and for Hanna. His children cheering him kept him going despite the heat and exhaustion.
Beyond fundraising, Dan also wanted to raise awareness around how people react to cancer diagnoses. He said: “It’s not always easy to talk about, sometimes people don’t know what to say or dismiss it as something common, but every case is deeply personal. It was to us and having someone ask how Hanna was doing and listening meant a lot.”
The Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal, led by Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation, set out an aim to raise £600,000 to provide cutting-edge radiotherapy devices to Southend Hospital. The appeal has seen an overwhelming amount of support from the local community and surpassed its original target earlier this year.
Emma Wynne-Morgan, Chair of Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation, said: “Dan’s effort and generosity are nothing short of inspirational. His story highlights the very real impact our radiotherapy services have on families — and why this appeal is so important. We’re incredibly grateful to him and to everyone who supported his journey.”