Alasdair is in the running

Drayton’s marathon mum Diana Rowlands – who took on the London race for the first time last year – has inspired husband Alasdair to follow in her footsteps.

Just Drayton & Taverham readers may recall the efforts of Diana and Elly Davies, who began their training shortly after giving birth to babies in the summer of 2023.

They made their London Marathon debuts in memory of Karen Rowlands, an all-action sportswoman, who was Elly and Alasdair’s mum and Diana’s mother-in-law.

“Karen would have been delighted to see her son Alasdair take on the task of running a marathon, following in the footsteps of his sister Elly and myself last year, and would have been cheering him every step of the way,” said Diana.

“I’ll be spectating and looking after our little one, Layla, while Alasdair runs. I would do it again in the future, though.”

Karen, who worked as a weaver at Alby Barns, near Aylsham, and lived at Roughton, near Cromer, died of pancreatic cancer in March 2023 aged 64 – two years after her diagnosis.

A keen rollerskater, runner, skier – on both snow and water – swimmer and gymnast, she took on any challenge she faced with determination.

Alasdair decided to tackle the London Marathon after being inspired by his wife and sister’s success last year, when they raised more than £11,000 for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.

This charity has now finished its work and directs supporters towards Pancreatic Cancer UK – the 2025 London Marathon charity of the year.

Their goal is to achieve a simple early detection test for pancreatic cancer, to give people better treatment options. Survival rates still have not improved in the last 30 years, with only 25pc of those diagnosed living beyond a year.

The Rowlands family is running a fund-raising quiz night at Old Catton Church Hall on Saturday, January 11, and a family fun day and beer festival on Saturday, February 15 (11am-10pm), at Aylsham Town Hall.

The event will include live music, fairground games and a selection of local beers and ciders. Advanced booking is not required. Entry is £5 per adult and £1 per child, which includes re-entry throughout the day (subject to hall capacity).