Met Police Superintendent to Run London Marathon for Leukaemia Care in Memory of Close Friend
Jack Rowlands, a 43-year-old superintendent with the Metropolitan Police from Horsham, West Sussex, is set to take on this year's London Marathon on April 26 in support of Leukaemia Care. He is running in memory of his close friend and former colleague, Mike Newbrook, who tragically passed away from leukaemia in 2024.
Honouring a Friend and Colleague Through Running
Jack previously completed the London Marathon in 2018 and is now aiming to beat his personal best, with Mike and his family firmly in his thoughts during the challenge. The pair spent years working side by side, responding to emergency calls from the public as police officers.
"Running is a massive part of my life, but this year, I'm running to honour my late friend," Jack said. "People who donated blood meant that Mike was able to spend another 16 months with his family. And I know that time was everything to him, his wife Lorna, and their two boys Joseph and Lucas."
The 'Pint For Mike' Campaign and Blood Donation Awareness
In response to Mike's illness, Lorna has launched the 'Pint For Mike' campaign to raise awareness about the critical importance of blood donation—a cause Jack is also championing through his marathon efforts. Lorna, 43, met Mike when she was 25 and he was 29, and they were together for 16 years, including 11 years of marriage, before his passing.
"You can feel so helpless when your loved one has leukaemia, but there is one thing you can do to help, and that's to donate blood," Lorna explained. "Currently, only around two per cent of those eligible actually do."
She highlighted that Mike received more than 100 pints of blood products over 16 months, which provided precious time for him to write letters to their children and record his voice. "Without those donations, we would have only had days together," Lorna added.
Lorna is urging more people to step forward: "It could be your parent, your partner, or your child that needs blood, and you would want that blood to be there for them if they needed it. We all need to do our bit to help others, so I'm encouraging people to be in the two per cent that donate blood, not the 98 per cent that don't."
She emphasised the impact of donation, noting that "you can save three adult lives or six children's lives with fewer than 10 minutes of your time."
Marathon Day and Inspiring Others
On marathon day, Jack is looking forward to the vibrant atmosphere and sense of achievement. "I love London and the marathon atmosphere. I can't wait to soak it all up, see the crowds and feel proud crossing the finish line—hopefully in under four hours," he said.
Beyond the physical challenge, Jack hopes his efforts will inspire others to take action, whether through running or donating blood. "You never know when life can throw you a curveball. If you're thinking about getting into running, the best time to start is now," he advised. "Start small and build from there, it has huge physical and mental benefits. But just as importantly, if you can donate blood, please do. It makes a real difference."
A Legacy of Friendship and Support
Lorna expressed her pride in Jack's commitment, stating, "Mike's legacy is so important to me and our boys and Jack running the marathon feels a part of that. Jack was a great friend to Mike, and Mike had a lot of respect for Jack, so I know he would feel so honoured that he is doing it."
She added, "I always associate Jack with those lovely memories of us meeting and their time together at Croydon Police. Jack is an incredibly giving and kind person who always helps everyone. I am so proud of him and I know Mike would be too."
Support from Leukaemia Care
Colin Dyer, chief executive of Leukaemia Care, commented, "We are incredibly grateful to Jack for taking on the London Marathon in memory of his friend Mike. His story highlights not only the devastating impact of blood cancer but also the life-saving importance of blood donation."
He continued, "The funds he raises will help us continue supporting patients and families through some of the most difficult times of their lives. We wish Jack all the best, and will be cheering him on from the sidelines."
The funds raised through Jack's challenge will support Leukaemia Care's vital work, which includes providing information, emotional support, and advocacy for people affected by blood cancer across the UK.
