Lymington dad Christian Rivron in marathon bid for Make a Wish
A LYMINGTON dad is running the London Marathon in aid of a charity which supported his daughter during cancer treatment.
Private chef Christian Rivron has already raised £2,600 for the Make a Wish Foundation – and hopes that a tattoo auction will boost this total by a further £1,000.
After losing his wife Jo in 2022 following her own seven-year cancer battle, Christian said running and training for the marathon has helped him navigate the most difficult times.
He told the A&T: “There have been some dark times since we lost Jo but since I’ve been running more frequently it’s really helped me to process things and find a way forward.
“I am running for Make a Wish and for my wife – as a thank you and to celebrate her birthday.
“The marathon falls on what would have been her 42nd birthday on 23rd April.”
Prior to her death, Jo and the couple’s eldest daughter Matilda were fighting different types of cancer simultaneously, with both spending significant time in hospital.
Matilda was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2020, just four days before her 11th birthday and she quickly began a gruelling and intense course of chemotherapy.
When they were both well enough, the Make a Wish Foundation paid for the family to spend time together enjoying a Disney experience.
Matilda has now finished her treatment and Christian wants to raise money for the charity which supported their family.
He has been joined in his fundraising by Britt Beale, of Black Bird Tattoo Studio in Lymington.
Britt is currently running a raffle to win a full day of tattooing and two half-day sessions. It is hoped it will raise a further £1,000.
Christian said: “I had my very first tattoo covering my calf at the end of last year, and I got talking to Britt about everything that had happened and what it meant to me.”
His tattoo of a totem pole features four animals: a lion for himself, a gazelle for Jo, an owl for Matilda and a giant panda for his younger daughter Amelie.
Christian said: “During lockdown we made a totem pole and we all chose a character with meaning to our family.
“Having the tattoo on my leg makes me feel stronger, especially when I’m running and it’s getting tough.”
Raffle tickets are £10 each. Contact Black Bird Tattoo Studio via www.blackbirdstudio.co.uk
Donate at bit.ly/3nq9w43
