Everton players share pride in coach after emotional six months that will change lives

Inspirational Everton coach Jack Dowling will change lives after smashing a fundraising goal in his brother’s memory.

Twenty six weeks ago, the first team physical performance coach challenged himself to complete 26 marathons in 26 weeks to support Macmillan after his sibling, Tom, was diagnosed with cancer.

On the eve of the final race of his Project 26:26 effort - which will be in the London Marathon on Sunday - he broke through a revised target of £64,500, a figure that can fund the work of a specialist nurse for 12 months.

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His final marathon is set to bring an end to an emotional six months, during which Tom sadly passed away. Jack, from Crosby, continued with his efforts powered by Tom’s memory and last week completed his final run on Merseyside backed by dozens of fellow runners who joined him for part of the marathon and crowds of supporters who gathered to cheer him on as he passed down Burbo Bank and again as he finished at the Alive Fitness base on Coronation Road.

Ahead of his final run, Jack received a compilation of messages from the first team stars he works with, with the likes of Dele, Jarrad Branthwaite and Ben Godfrey offering their support. Among them was Sean Dyche, who said: “It is amazing what you have done mate, I couldn’t be more proud of you, it is an amazing achievement physically, mentally and for your family.”

Amadou Onana added: “I just want to tell you how proud I am of you, I respect a lot what you have done, what you have achieved - I never could have done it. I wish you the best of luck.” Michael Keane, one of the players who