A husband and father is to take on a marathon after his wife was diagnosed with cancer.
Jonathan Cathie lives in Southampton with his wife, Katrina, and two daughters Lucy, 13, and Rosie, 10.
He has set himself the challenge of taking on the London Marathon to thank University Hospital Southampton for the treatment of his daughters when younger and following his wife’s current fight against breast cancer.
Both of the couple's daughters were born in Southampton and required care at the hospital at various points in their lives.
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Their youngest daughter Rosie had to stay in Paediatric Intensive Care after prolonged seizures from a brain infection (encephalitis) when she was just two years old.
Jonathan, a lawyer, said: "Southampton Hospital has been a significant part of our lives since we first met in 1999.
"Not only did Katrina study medicine at Southampton, but she also did much of her paediatric training at Southampton General Hospital and has been a permanent member of staff there since 2015."
In January, Katrina was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 41.
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Her husband added: "It was a massive shock to us and our family. We have been married for 20 years, and this is the biggest challenge our family has faced.
"Fortunately, it was picked up early. Katrina underwent surgery and is receiving ongoing treatment and monitoring from the clinical teams.
"A cancer diagnosis is devastating at the best of times.
"Katrina's journey has opened my eyes to the challenges, pain and suffering that so many people endure, and how much of a difference the expertise and kindness of the NHS can make."
Jonathan is fundraising for the Breast Cancer Research Fund of Southampton Hospitals Charity.
"Ongoing research is vital to advance and improve care for patients," said Jonathan.
"Part of the reason Katrina was able to benefit from the treatment she received is because of previous research that has shown which treatments are best for different patients.
"I want to help raise money to support research into Breast Cancer so that more of those who are diagnosed can go on to have long and fulfilling lives."
To support Jonathan, visit: https://tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jonathan-cathie
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