'My super-fit dad died weeks after cancer diagnosis - I'm doing this for him'

Hannah and her dad Sean
-Credit: (Image: Hannah Macauley)


A woman says she is running the Robin Hood Half Marathon to "keep the memory alive" of her father who died just weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. Hannah Macauley described her dad, Sean Macauley as the "most active person you’d ever imagine".

The 56-year-old, who had competed in numerous Iron Man challenges, triathlons and marathons, died on June 19, eight weeks after being diagnosed with throat cancer. “He was lovely, he was amazing. He was so intelligent, he was a massive traveller who remembered little things about people," said Ms Macauley, paying tribute.

The 28-year-old project manager said he was "one of those guys that would light up a room", adding: "So many people turned up for his funeral."

Ms Macauley lives in Exeter and her dad was from North Devon, but signed up for Sunday's (September 29) half marathon in Nottingham as it was close to the home of her dad's close friend. The 13.1-mile route will also serve as a warm-up for next year's London Marathon.

“We’ve always been a very active family," she said. "He was the most active person you’d ever imagine, he took part in Ironmen, marathons and triathlons. We’re doing lots of things to keep his memory alive.

Sean completed several Iron Man competitions
Sean completed several Iron Man competitions

“We’re seeing if we can push ourselves, I’ve always ran, I did the Bournemouth half two years ago, I’ve always enjoyed running."

Ms Macauley, who will be running alongside her sister-in-law Ella Macauley-Murdoch, has so far raised more than £500 for North Devon Hospice, where her dad spent his final days. The 43rd edition of the Robin Hood Half is set to be its biggest yet when it sets off from the Victoria Embankment at 9.30am on Sunday.

More than 11,000 runners are expected to follow a route that will take them through the city centre, the Park estate and Wollaton Park before again finishing at the Victoria Embankment. All the road closures in place during the event have now been confirmed, with closures on 36 roads or lanes overall.