AN Islander has set out to run 150km throughout November – 5km each day – in aid of a breast cancer charity after his wife was diagnosed with the disease four years ago.
Describing a difficult five years for him and his family, Mark Surcouf took on the challenge to give back to ABC Jersey for the support he and his wife have received.
The charity aims to create a brighter community for those suffering with breast cancer by providing emotional, financial and practical support for breast cancer patients and their families.
Mr Surcouf said that his journey began after suffering a heart attack just three days after his wedding in November 2020, which he described as a “terrifying wake-up call”.
During his recovery, his wife was diagnosed with triple-negative Breast Cancer.
Searching for a way to deal with the stress, Mr Surcouf, who had quit smoking and drinking as part of a commitment to get himself in better shape, found himself turning to food as an “escape” for what he was going through.
Because of this, he gained weight and hit 27.5 stone – the most he had ever weighed.
However, since his weight loss surgery in August 2024, he has lost 52kg and got into running.
Starting off his journey with a Park Run in January 2025, he progressed to going road running during the week, which made him confident enough to take part in a much more challenging endurance feat – running 150km in a month.
All donations raised from his challenge are going to ABC Jersey.
He said: “They have helped us non-stop and have been unbelievably good.
“So, this will be a huge challenge for me and will push me to a new level, and I have lost 8.5 stone so far. But I just want to give back to all they have done for us.”
Mr Surcouf has set up a Just Giving page to support his running journey, and it is currently has currently raised more than £1,000.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so by searching his full name, Mark Surcouf, on jerseygiving.je.
