Wife to run Bournemouth marathon in honour of husband

Just over one year later, Jeremy died of a rare blood cancer called multiple myeloma.

This year, as the town gears up to host its next half marathon on October 10, Jeremy’s wife Kerry Baggott is aiming to convert that finish time into money by raising £1,451.10 when she retraces her husband’s footsteps and completes the Bournemouth Half Marathon.

“I’ll never be fit enough to match his time, but I can match it in money,” says Kerry.

• Read more: Appeal in memory of devoted dad raises £15,000

“Jeremy showed such amazing strength and determination throughout his illness and it’s his inspiration and zest for life that will get me across that finish line.”

Fourteen months prior to completing the marathon, Jeremy underwent a stem cell transplant to help rid his body of the rare blood cancer. By the time Jeremy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, he was suffering from a broken collarbone, six fractured ribs and the bone in his right arm had completely disintegrated.

Jeremy Baggott died of multiple myeloma. Now his widow, Kerry, is raising money for Myeloma UK

Wife of 20 years Kerry said: “This disease – and the form that Jeremy had – can be incredibly aggressive. It can rip through your body, making Swiss cheese of your bones.

“2019 was an amazingly happy year for us. We grabbed life by the horns.

“Running the Bournemouth Half Marathon was a massive achievement. Jeremy had always enjoyed running – it was his go-to sport. And the Bournemouth course is so beautiful along the beach.”

Despite responding well to initial treatment, Jeremy relapsed two months after the 2019 event and died at home on November 27, 2020, at the age of 50. He left behind Kerry and his two daughters, Charlotte and Emily.

• Read more: Walking fundraiser for Myeloma UK raises over £8k

Kerry added: “Jeremy was such a fit and seemingly healthy man. Multiple myeloma is a cruel disease that ripped my family apart. It’s my biggest wish in life that one day – particularly in our children’s lifetime – a cure will be found.

“This money will go towards realising that goal and I cannot thank people enough for their generosity, love and support.

“He may not be here to run the 2021 race himself, but he’ll be with me in spirit and I’ll collect the medal on his behalf.”

All money raised will go to the charity Myeloma UK.

Kerry, who has raised more than £40,000 for charity previously, has already surpassed the £1,451.10 target for the half marathon by almost double.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Kerry-baggott4 for more information.