Glossop Amputee Pete Lloyd Takes On Marathon Challenge

A Glossop man who lost his leg to bone cancer is preparing to take on one of his biggest challenges yet, completing a full marathon on April 19th to raise funds for the Bone Cancer Research Trust

Pete Lloyd, a hip disarticulation amputee, was diagnosed with high-grade osteosarcoma in 2011. After years of painful surgeries and complications, he made the difficult decision to have his left leg amputated at the hip.

“It was tough but the right choice, and it was mine,” Pete said. “I’ve got a very supportive family and friends who’ve pushed me every step of the way to where I am now.”

Adjusting to life with one leg was less about physical adaptation and more about mindset, Pete explained. “It didn’t affect me that much because I couldn’t do much with my leg beforehand. I just had to re-learn how to live. You don’t really know how you’ll react until you’re in that moment.”

Now, Pete is channelling that same grit into his marathon mission. His goal is to beat the world record time for an amputee marathoner 5 hours, 37 minutes, and 43 seconds.

He’s been training with Glossop-based coach Matt Hartle of MH Fitness, focusing on boxing to build his endurance, strength, and mental resilience. “I had no power at first,” Pete recalled with a laugh. “I hit the punch bag and went flying across the room. But boxing’s been amazing, not just physically, but for my mental health too.”

Pete’s regimen also includes sessions at Oxy Regen Health and Wellness in Dukinfield, where he uses hyperbaric oxygen therapy to boost his recovery. Sitting inside a pressurised chamber breathing 100% oxygen, he says, helps his muscles repair faster and leaves him feeling recharged.

“It’s brilliant for recovery, it helps with aches and pains and gives me that hour to just breathe, relax, and reset,” he said.

The Manchester Marathon, Pete says, will be his “last big challenge,” a testament to the limits of human determination and the power of purpose. “Bone cancer is rare, and the treatments are brutal,” he said. “If I can do something extraordinary to raise awareness and funds towards a cure, then that’s what I’ll do.”

Pete is encouraging supporters to donate through his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/page/lloydymarathon2

“Every step, or in my case, every push, counts toward making a difference,” he said with a smile. “I’m doing this for the Bone Cancer Research Trust and for everyone still fighting.”

Hear the full interview with Pete, this Sunday after 12:30pm on 103.6FM Tameside Radio.