15 marathons in 15 days - A run rooted in loss and love

From Berick-Upon-Tweed the most Northern point of England to the South Coast, one stride at a time. Milo and Gabriel are taking on 15 marathons in 15 days running for memories, for meaning, and for those whose time is too short.

Milo Young and Gabriel Maddison, two 26-year-old friends, are taking on the incredible challenge of running the length of England, 630km from Berwick-Upon-Tweed in the north to Brighton in the south, in just 15 days.

The two lads are setting off on their run on the 5th of July.

The idea was born over the New Year, sparked by deeply personal losses.

For Milo, this challenge is a tribute to his late mother, Natalie Young, who passed away from colon cancer in December 2024 after a short but intense battle with the disease.

“My mum was kind, selfless and incredibly strong,” Milo said. “She was the kind of person who always put others before herself. This run is for her—a way to honour her love, her resilience, and everything she gave to the people around her.”

Gabriel’s motivation also stems from personal grief.

“I lost both my grandfather and uncle to cancer,” he shared. “They were the pillars of our family. Growing up on a family-run farm, family meant everything, and their loss left a massive void. This run is about honouring their memory and showing that even through pain, we can find the strength to keep going.”

Neither Milo or Gabriel have a background in ultra-endurance sports. Prior to training, Milo had never run a marathon, and Gabriel had only completed a few half marathons. But since February, they’ve dedicated themselves to a rigorous training schedule.

“We both come from sporting backgrounds, but this has been a different beast,” Milo explained. “We’ve been waking up early for gym sessions, running after long workdays, nursing injuries, and repeating it all again the next day.”

Gabriel added, “People see a 30km run posted on Strava and think that’s all there is. But there’s so much behind it, balancing full-time jobs, injury setbacks, the mental fatigue. It’s been tough, but we’re ready.”

Milo and Gabriel met at university where they were both part of a social football team.

The duo chose to support Purple Heart Wishes, a small but impactful charity based in Tameside, which grants wishes for terminally ill adults aged 18 to 55. Unlike large national charities, Purple Heart’s grassroots approach gave the runners a direct connection to their cause.

“We didn’t want the money to just disappear into a big pot,” Milo said. “With Purple Heart Wishes, we’re speaking directly with the founders. We know exactly how the donations are used, and that makes it more meaningful.”

Gabriel added, “These are people who are living through the hardest days of their lives, and this charity helps them make lasting memories, whether it’s a trip to a football match or a final getaway with family. It’s exactly the kind of difference we want to make.”

So far, Milo and Gabriel have raised over £5,500, with hopes of reaching much more by the end of their journey. Every donation goes towards helping someone with a terminal illness experience joy and comfort during unimaginably difficult times.

“When we’re hitting the wall on day ten or dragging ourselves through blisters and fatigue,” said Gabriel “knowing that someone is getting their last wish granted because of this, that’ll keep us going.”

As the countdown to the run begins, the people of Tameside and beyond are encouraged to support Milo and Gabriel’s inspiring journey. You can follow their progress, share their story, and donate at their fundraising page.

Purple Heart Wishes grants dreams and special experiences to adults living with terminal illnesses. Whether it’s a helicopter ride, a seaside escape, or attending a concert or sports match, the charity provides unforgettable moments when they matter most. For more information, visit https://www.purpleheartwishes.org/.

You can follow Milo and Gabriels journey on their Instagram page where they will be posting updates on their training and their challenge @runcancerrun_