Everton fitness coach Jack Dowling says he's been "blown away" by the support he's received after completing an inspirational challenge for his late brother, Tom.

The Senior Team fitness coach completed a remarkable challenge of running 26 marathons in 26 weeks in support of his brother and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Jack's achievement will be celebrated tonight ahead of the Merseyside derby, with supporters encouraged to donate to MacMillan this weekend who will doing a bucket collection outside Goodison ahead of the Brentford game, with funds raised going towards Jack's total.

Reflecting upon the challenge, Jack said: “I’ve been blown away by the support received from the start. From every pound donated, to each message of encouragement, it all helped me to keep going and get back out for the next one. Especially when pushing through my knee injury earlier this year and, crucially, during recent weeks after the loss of our Tom.

“I’m devastated that Tom wasn’t there at the finish line with me, he’s been my motivation throughout, but I know how proud he would be of what we achieved together as part of this challenge. It’s also a huge comfort to know how much of a difference the money raised will make for others going through their own cancer journey at a time when they need that support the most.”

Jack set himself the challenge of running a marathon of marathons after Tom was diagnosed with cancer. It quickly became known as Project 26:26. 

As Jack crossed the 2024 London Marathon finish line on Sunday, he had run the equivalent distance of Goodison Park to Berlin since starting the venture last year.

He ran in all weathers, battled with injury, and recently played catch up to get back on schedule after a knee problem prevented him from completing one of his marathons. This was in addition to navigating Everton’s often busy and changing fixture schedule.

Tom sadly passed away at the end of March and the thoughts of everyone at Everton and MacMillan continue to be with Jack, his family and all of Tom’s friends.

The most recent marathons were, therefore, some of the most mentally and emotionally challenging to get through for Jack. However, he has spoken about his determination to complete the challenge and reach his fundraising target in memory of his biggest supporter, Tom, and to honour his brother’s legacy of helping others.

As this year’s biggest London Marathon fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support, Jack is rapidly closing in on his target of £71,000 - the amount it costs to fund two Macmillan specialist nurses for 26 weeks. And, as well as taking every opportunity to spread awareness of cancer, particularly amongst younger males, Jack has also been sharing his personal experience of the incredible work Macmillan does to support families like his throughout the 26-week challenge.

The Project 26:26 challenge started on the same weekend as this season’s Anfield Merseyside derby. By chance, it came full circle, ending 26 weeks later and just four days ahead of tonight’s game. It’s something which isn’t lost on Jack, who grew up a staunch Blue despite his older brother’s Liverpool allegiance. Today’s fixture will be the first Merseyside derby ahead of which he won’t receive the usual message from his brother, winding him up ahead of kick off.

Most of the 26 marathons took place around Merseyside and friends, family and Everton colleagues consistently turned out in droves to support Jack by cheering him on and even joined in on foot or bike whenever they could. His efforts received high-profile backing, including from Blues legends Neville Southall and Peter Reid, while players and other backroom staff also joined him on several occasions and shared their messages of support.

The challenge may be complete, but donations are still gratefully received. Jack’s fundraising page is available on JustGiving and via Instagram @project26.26 or his dedicated website project2626.info. 

You can also text PROJECT2626 to 70550 to make a single £5 donation.