source: @hopalonglloydy, Instagram
Pete Lloyd, a man who once had to learn how to walk again, attempted to rewrite what is possible— one crutch at a time.
On Sunday the 19th of April, Pete took part in the annual Manchester Marathon, but the 26-mile stretch was not his only obstacle. He aimed to break the world record for the quickest marathon on crutches, 5 hours 37 minutes and 47 seconds.
When Lloyd first planned to take on the challenge of the Manchester Marathon, it wasn’t just about crossing the finishing line. It was centred around standing out in the huge world of fundraising and proving that anything can be achieved if you put your mind to it.
Lloyd said: “While we were up at the bone cancer research, just head office, it was just silly world marathons in 2024 that we were looking at, world records we were looking at. And I was like, oh, I’ll do it for the marathon on my crutches”
Running a marathon alone proposes an intense determination and difficulty, attacking the challenge with one leg on crutches is something else entirely.
However, at the halfway mark, it was an unexpected and painful setback that brought his perseverance to a halt. Mile after mile the intensity of the marathon began to take a toll, not on his leg but his hands.
With half of the 26 miles completed, Pete stopped to remove his gloves and sought help for the sores on his palms.
“I was under the impression I’d just get hands bandaged and continue” he said. “But they asked me, ‘Can you feel your fingers?’ And told me I needed to stop, otherwise I’d get nerve damage”
Continuing for a further 13 miles could have resulted in long term damage for his hands, a consequence that stretched far beyond the marathon itself.
After being diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2011, Pete’s life completely changed.
He said: “from 2017 to 2011, I was diagnosed with something called benign fibrous dysplasia, and then, unfortunately, in 2011, it was diagnosed as a high-grade osteosarcoma. We’d had 2 kids at the time then, and it was, there were four and two”
His journey to the start line was anything but straightforward. Being diagnosed with osteosarcoma came with years of complications. He initially underwent limb salvage surgery in the hope of keeping his leg. However, after multiple operations and persistent pain, he made the life-altering decision to have it amputated.
“I chose to have my leg amputated… because it was useless. I was in a lot of pain”
He experienced a long process of rebuilding his life, both physically and mentally alongside taking in every moment with his new family.
He said: “My wife and kids and my friends. They’ve been my biggest support and my biggest cheerleaders”
In the face of obstacle after obstacle, the constant support of his wife, family and friends have driven his dedication and unwillingness to give up.
The combination of personal resilience and determination carried him through the intense difficult months of training got him to the streets on Manchester on Sunday morning. But the marathon itself tested him in ways he hadn’t anticipated.
For him, the charity is far more than a name on a t-shirt. The Bone Cancer Research Trust have been a constant source of support throughout his whole journey.
Unlike larger, more widely recognised organisations, the Bone Cancer Research Trust, based in Leeds, operates on a smaller scale. The charity focuses on specific, rare and often overlooked diseases. From connecting patients and families, liaising with medical professionals and providing guidance during treatment and recovery, the charity truly goes above and beyond.
Now as a patient ambassador, Pete works closely with the charity to help families and patients navigate their illnesses, providing reassurance and representation.
Pete said: “It’s about being able to signpost families to the support that I’ve had.
“Giving a voice to patients who might not have the confidence to speak up.”
In a field where progress can be slow sharing his experiences with healthcare professionals and researchers, he has contributed to conversations around treatment, recovery, and the long-term effects of bone cancer.
The marathon was just not just a personal test of endurance but a way to amplify the work of the charity.
Pete’s marathon challenge has raised £1500 for the charity, a figure he admits is still growing as more people hear his story. The response from the public has been just as significant.
He said: “The support has been amazing, I’m still getting messages, I’m still getting people donating”.
Now, Pete has unfinished business with the annual 26-mile challenge. He has refused to quit at his first attempt and plans to conquer the record in 2028. In the meantime, the Bone Cancer Research Trust ambassador is adamant to resume his inspirational fundraising endeavours for the charity.
To donate to Pete’s cause, take a look at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lloydymarathon2