Loss spurs Steve’s New York mission

Oct 10 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

SINGLE-MINDED Steve Jeffress is running the New York Marathon in memory of the father he lost to cancer.

The Perth electrician’s dad, Richard, died at the age of 33, when Steve was just four years old.

Now, Steve will join tens of thousands of runners competing in the ING-sponsored Big Apple marathon on November 2, with a global television audience estimated at 350 million.

Yesterday, Steve (23) explained: “It will be very emotional and maybe even more so when I hand over the cheque for cancer research.”

Richard, who worked with the council roads department, was diagnosed with cancer just six weeks before he died.

Liz Jeffress recalled: “Richard returned to work after the Christmas break feeling washed-out. He thought he might have the flu. It was dreadful and it leaves you in total limbo for a long, long time.

“Steve and his big sister Laura, a teacher at Kinnoull Primary, have had to cope with it as well. Photographs of his dad are all he has. It has been a long process to come to terms with the loss of their father at such a young age.”

Steve said: “I started planning the run last November and managed to get accepted through the Yorkshire Cancer Research charity.

“Obviously cancer research is close to my heart because of losing my dad. Hopefully others will benefit from the fundraising.”

Steve, Knowlea Place – a sparky with Dundee-based McGill Electrical – added: “This will be my second marathon and I’m hoping to beat my time for the Edinburgh run, which was three hours 31 minutes.

“I’ve been running at 6am or after work to build-up for it. It can be tough fitting it in but it has to be done.

“New York is the big one and I’m looking forward to it. I will have a pal from Perth, Martin Ford, cheering me on. But I’m planning to wear a lightweight kilt and a Scotland jersey. That should guarantee me a few more supporters along the route!”

Proud mum Liz, personal assistant to Perth College principal Mandy Exley, said: “I’m proud of Steve and I will be very emotional when he runs the New York Marathon. He has put so much into his preparations, including the roadwork and researching his own diet.”

Steve is aiming to raise more than £1500 and donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/stevenjeffress or by calling 01738 449877.