A MAN from Tavistock who shed five stone in a bid to get healthy has raised £850 for Cancer Research UK running in memory of a much-loved neighbour, writes Sarah Pitt.

Doug Meakin, who is 26, wanted to remember John Jiles, who had lived next door to him on the Bishopsmead estate all his life.

After John died of cancer in January, Doug decided to honour his memory by taking part in a fundraiser for Cancer Research UK which challenged participants to run 56 miles in February.

‘John was a really good friend,’ said Doug.

‘He lived next door to us in Beech Close. He was a very well-loved man on the street and all these friends came around and brought his wife, Jill, flowers when he died.

‘John was such an asset to the Bishopsmead community and a top bloke. Our road has such a good community spirit and John was loved by all of us in the street and would always stick his neck out for anyone. As a kid, he would always be really gentle with my sister and me.

‘He was a really lovely bloke. He would help us and he would look out for us. He and my dad would have friendly rivalry about mowing the lawn. I really wanted to do something.’

As a self-confessed ‘big lad’ he had already been working towards losing weight for some time, and he saw the running challenge as part of that.

‘I weighed nearly 20 stone two years ago so I wanted to really push myself and try this challenge. I did it because I wanted to prove myself, to prove that despite being quite a big lad I could become a runner, that I could do it.’

Taking part in the challenge was not without its difficulties as Doug contracted covid in the middle of it.

Despite this, he persevered, notching up a total of 56 miles during the month, which culminated in a run around Burrator Reservoir. He was cheered on by his friends as he ran over the finishing line.

‘John’s wife said he would be really proud of me. Having my friends there to see me over the finish line was a huge morale booster!’ said Doug.

‘I only set to raise £150 as I really didn’t expect to get as much as I have. I’ve now raised nearly £850 and I couldn’t tell you how happy and humble I feel to have a great support system of friends, family and the community.’

‘I also wanted to support this charity as my dad has leukaemia and my grandad died of cancer. It is a great feeling knowing you’re doing something to try stop this horrible disease.’