Sam Bestard

Raising money for Myton in memory of Dad

I’ll be taking on the London Marathon in memory of my dad, Mike Bestard, and to raise money for Myton Hospice.

This would have been Dad’s 60th birthday year, which makes taking on this challenge in his memory even more significant.

This won’t be my first marathon. I’ve previously completed the Mallorca Marathon, so I know just how much training, commitment and determination goes into running 26.2 miles.

Dad was a much-loved father to Sam, Ben, Jake and Isla, and losing him has left a huge hole in all of our lives.

In Dad’s final days, Myton Hospice cared for him personally for four days. The care, compassion and support they gave Dad, and the support they gave us as a family, is something we will always be incredibly grateful for.

We laid Dad to rest on the 26th. That number now carries a meaning that I don’t think I’ll ever forget — and somehow, running 26.2 miles feels like another way of carrying his memory with me.

That’s why I’ve chosen to run for Myton Hospice.

I want to give something back to the people who were there for Dad and our family when we needed them most, and help them continue providing that same care and support to other families.

I know the road to London will have its difficult moments. The early mornings, the long training runs, the aching legs and the inevitable moments when I question why I signed up for another 26.2 miles! But nothing I face during this challenge can compare to what Dad went through.

Whenever it gets tough, I’ll think of Dad saying, “Come on, Sammy, you can do this!” 

Every mile will be for him.

Dad, thank you for making me the person I am today. Thank you for everything you taught me, for the values you gave me and for inspiring me to keep striving to be better. I hope that, through this challenge, I can honour your memory and make you proud.

I’d love to raise as much as possible for Myton Hospice in Dad’s memory. If you can donate, no matter how big or small, it would mean an incredible amount to me and my family.

And if you can’t donate, sharing this page or simply supporting me along the way would mean just as much.

For you, Dad ❤️

This should have been the year we celebrated your 60th birthday.

Instead, I’ll be running 26.2 miles in your memory, carrying you with me every step of the way.

The 26th will always mean something to me. And now, so will 26.2.

Mike Bestard — forever loved, forever missed, never ever forgotten.   ❤️

Thank you for helping me make every mile count.