When Peter Howarth collapsed during a long dog walk in April 2024, his family's world was irrevocably altered. The 63-year-old IT helpdesk technician had suffered a stroke, and subsequent tests revealed he also had stage four cancer. He passed away six months later, just a week after the death of his beloved dog, Molly, leaving his wife Rosemary and son Neil grappling with profound loss.
A Sudden Turn of Events
Neil Howarth, a 36-year-old software sales director from Greenwich, south-east London, recounted how his father's health crisis unfolded. Peter and Rosemary had retired to Portaferry, County Down, Northern Ireland, after falling in love with the coastline and community, fulfilling Peter's dream of a seaside view. "He was very fit and healthy, very active, didn't drink or smoke—none of those typical things," Neil told the Press Association, making the cancer diagnosis a shocking blow to the whole family.
Navigating Grief with Marie Curie
In the aftermath, life changed dramatically, especially for Rosemary, a former children's nurse. Neil emphasised that support from the charity Marie Curie was pivotal in helping her process her grief and rebuild her confidence. "My mum relied a lot on my dad to make life decisions," he said. "Suddenly her world changed overnight. To have people she could speak to with no judgment, just to listen and advise, was really important and made a big difference."
Neil encouraged his mother to use Marie Curie's support line, noting that it's accessible to everyone. "She's not someone who often looks for support, but when she started that conversation, it really helped her process things," he explained. Without this aid, Neil believes Rosemary, now 75, could have become very isolated. Instead, she has reinvented herself, regaining independence by driving again and engaging with her local community.
Running for a Cause
Inspired by his father, who ran the London Marathon 25 years prior, Neil has taken up the challenge himself. He ran the TCS London Marathon for Marie Curie in 2025 and will do so again on Sunday, April 26, 2026, alongside his wife Sadhbh, a 31-year-old software sales manager. The event has named Marie Curie as its charity of the year, and Neil aims to raise funds so others can benefit from similar support.
"I count myself very lucky that we had a few months after the diagnosis to spend together and make more memories," Neil reflected, having moved to Northern Ireland that summer to assist with Peter's care. He shared that running has helped him process his emotions and give back to the charity. "From spending time with Marie Curie and doing run clubs, I've met some incredible nurses who do amazing things day in, day out. It's the least I can do to raise money."
A Legacy of Support and Resilience
Neil highlighted the compassionate care his father received at Ulster Hospital in Dundonald, County Down, where Peter died on October 10, 2024. "All the staff were amazing, very caring and kind," he said. This experience, coupled with Marie Curie's ongoing support, has strengthened the family's resilience.
As tens of thousands prepare for the marathon start lines in Blackheath and Greenwich Park, Neil appreciates the proximity to his home. "I'm about 800m from the start line, so I've got a bit of a lie-in on Sunday morning," he joked. More importantly, he carries his father's memory with him, knowing Peter was proud of his efforts. "Although he'd passed before I did the marathon, I knew he was very proud and there with me," Neil concluded, underscoring the enduring impact of love and community in times of tragedy.
