A MAN who was told his cancer diagnosis was terminal is now completing a gruelling challenge to raise money for charity.
Two years ago, Marcos Jarvis had just completed a marathon when he was told he had stage 4 liver cancer and that nothing could be done to stop its spread.
He was working as a renovation builder and living with his wife Hannah and son Archie in Hailsham.
Marcos used his passion for running to take on the disease.
The 47-year-old said: “I had 12 tumours on my liver and had 35 rounds of chemotherapy.
“I made some major changes to my life. I used my running to alleviate the fatigue and nausea and gradually my sickness levels decreased as my fitness improved.
“There were days when I didn’t want to run but I pushed myself through.”
Marcos became a vegan, took regular cold showers and ice baths, and practised Tai Chi.
He added: “My three-monthly CT scans indicated that my tumours were shrinking.
“The last scan showed they had gone. Now I want to focus on helping and supporting other people with cancer.
"I want to show them that they too can change their lives.”
During his treatment Marcos and his family were supported by Wolo, the Sussex-based charity that supports families on their cancer journeys – from diagnosis, through treatment and after.
Now, Marcos has defied the odds and is about to travel to the South African bush in KwaZulu Natal province to embark on a 100-mile run over five days.
With guides and conservationists, Marcos will map out the route that will be taken by runners and walkers raising funds for Wolo (We Only Live Once).
Co-founder and trustee Justin Wright said: “Marcos is an inspiration. We are delighted that he is taking on our South Africa challenge to raise funds for Wolo.
“We are now looking for 30 intrepid explorers to run, walk or trek along African bush game trails to help us continue our vital support for local families dealing with cancer.
“Marcos will set the route for us and our fundraisers will follow in his footsteps in October.”
As well as raising money, the Wolo 100 will focus on the conservation work being supported by Eastbourne-based African trek specialists Africa Wild Trails.
There are still places and details are available: https://wolofoundation.org/wolo-events/wolo-africa-wild-trail-2022
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here