A Middlesbrough teenager will run 26 miles in 26 hours in memory of the uncle who shaped her childhood and created lasting family memories in his final weeks.
Lilah Sweeting, 14, will take on the challenge from 2pm on Friday, August 28, until 3pm the following day, running one mile every hour to honour her great-uncle David Gallagher and raise money for Teesside Hospice.
David, who was the chief executive of education charity NCFE, died on Sunday, July 5, age 45, following a short illness.
David's niece, Eleanor Sweeting, said: "He was the fun uncle - the one who would play football with all the kids in the garden.
"[He would] be silly with them, take them out places and regularly have the children over for sleepovers with his own two boys."
She described him as a generous family man who enjoyed bringing relatives together at every opportunity.
David Gallagher, Lilah's uncle, who was cared for by Teesside Hospice in his final weeks.
(Image: Eleanor Sweeting)
In a statement, NCFE said: "Throughout his career, David was a passionate champion of education and skills and was dedicated to improving opportunities for learners.
"His leadership, integrity, and commitment to NCFE’s mission have left a lasting legacy across the organisation and the wider sector."
Even during the final weeks of his battle with cancer, David's niece said he kept putting others first.
While at Teesside Hospice, David brought family members together to watch World Cup matches, creating "precious memories" that Eleanor and Lilah will always treasure.
Eleanor said: "We would all sit together in the family room, which the hospice had decorated with a football theme and filled with silly props.
"David made sure there were plenty of snacks and even ordered takeaways to make it as enjoyable as possible.
"Those memories are incredibly special to us because, even in his final weeks, David was still thinking about making things fun for the children and creating happy memories for them."
Inspired by those experiences, Lilah decided shortly after David's death that she wanted to do something in his memory.
Eleanor said: "Very soon after uncle David passed away, Lilah decided that she wanted to do something in his memory to raise money for Teesside Hospice.
"She knew how much the hospice had done for David and for all of us as a family, and she wanted to find a way to give something back."
David's family say the staff at Teesside Hospice made an incredibly difficult time a little easier - not only by keeping him comfortable but by genuinely caring about him and those closest to him.
One of the miles in the fundraising challenge will have special significance, with Lilah set to run around the Riverside Stadium at 10am on Saturday, August 29, in tribute to her uncle's lifelong love of Middlesbrough FC.
The mile at Riverside Stadium reflects another bond Lilah shared with her uncle David.
Eleanor said: "Lilah is also a huge Boro fan and is a season-ticket holder, so it is something that she and uncle David shared."
Lilah Sweeting will run 26 miles in 26 hours in memory of her Uncle David Gallagher, raising money for Teesside Hospice.
(Image: Eleanor Sweeting)
While Lilah regularly plays football and has done a few park runs, Eleanor says she is a little nervous for the challenge.
Eleanor said: "Lilah sees that as part of the point, though.
"She knew it needed to be a really difficult challenge in order to encourage people to donate as much as possible to Teesside Hospice.
"For her, the fact that it will be hard is what makes it worthwhile."
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Described as a kind and thoughtful young woman, Lilah's family wasn't surprised when she came up with the idea to take on the challenge in memory of David.
She said: "I am massively proud of Lilah. It is an enormous challenge, and I know for a fact that I couldn’t do it myself.
"Most importantly, though, I absolutely know that Uncle David would be so, so proud of her too.
"I think that would mean the most to Lilah."
To donate to Lilah's fundraiser for Teesside Hospice, visit her GoFundMe page: Fundraiser by Eleanor Sweeting : 26 Miles, 26 hours, one very special cause ♥️