Doctors to run London Marathon for Fife charity in memory of baby Oliver
Two doctors who looked after little Oliver Gill after his cancer diagnosis are running the London Marathon to raise funds and awareness of the charity set up in his memory
Dr John Morrice, a consultant paediatrician at Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital, and Dr Mark Brougham, a consultant oncologist at Edinburgh’s Sick Kids Hospital, are taking on the 26.2 mile challenge in support of LoveOliver on Sunday, April 26.
Oliver was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer at just a few days old. He passed away on Christmas Day 2010, just 24 weeks old.
His parents Jennifer and Andy Gill set up the charity LoveOliver the following year in his memory.
The charity funds childhood cancer research and provides practical, compassionate support for families at the most difficult time of their lives.
Jennifer said having both doctors running the London Marathon for the charity this year has made the event “even more special” for them, both personally and as a charity.
She said: “We will always be thankful for these two incredible doctors – that they were and are part of our story – and that they both gave Oliver the absolute best care possible.
"There cannot be many jobs that are harder than being in charge of the medical care and decisions for seriously and terminally ill children, and to have to have the most difficult conversations with their parents.
"The fact they are running the London Marathon shows it is more than just a job - they care deeply, and that makes what they do all the more difficult and amazing all at the same time.
"Both doctors are well known, loved and respected by many Fife families, and as a family supported by them both and as a charity, it is a privilege to have them represent LoveOliver.”
The doctors are honoured to be taking on the challenge for such an important cause.
For Dr John Morrice, who has overcome a recent injury to get back into training, taking on the marathon is deeply personal having cared for Oliver and being with the family when he died.
John said: "My experience is that many families who have gone through the horror of their child dying want to “do something”.
"Rarely do I see this implemented with the focus and tenacity that I have seen with Andy and Jennifer.
"I have always wanted to do the London Marathon. So when the opportunity came to do it for Love Oliver, it seemed absolutely the right time to do it."
Dr Mark Brougham, who also is a member of the LoveOliver board of trustees, said: “This is my first, and probably only, marathon.
"I’m running to raise money and, more importantly, awareness for LoveOliver, a charity very close to my heart.
"I was privileged to be Oliver’s oncologist and this charity, started in his memory, provides essential support to children and young people with cancer, and their families.
"They also support much needed research to improve treatments.”
To support Dr John Morrice’s fundraising efforts visit https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/mark-brougham
To support Dr Mark Brougham’s fundraising efforts visit https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/john-morrice