Highland anaesthetist chases world record in bone costume to fund osteosarcoma research
A Highland doctor is tackling a marathon like no other - dressed in a giant bone costume - to support his niece, who is battling a rare bone cancer.
Michael Stallard (42), an anaesthetist at Raigmore Hospital, will attempt a world record by running the Dublin Marathon on October 26 in a giant bone costume to raise funds for Sarcoma UK and the Bone Cancer Research Trust.
Inspiring the challenge is Michael’s 13-year-old niece, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her lower leg earlier this year.
“Osteosarcoma is a nasty type of cancer,” Michael explained. “It spreads easily - usually to the lungs or other bones - and often affects the long bones of the arm or leg.”
The shock diagnosis came after his niece experienced pain following a hockey match. What first appeared to be a sports injury turned out to be the rare cancer that mostly affects teenagers and young adults.
“After a few visits to the physio she ended up having an MRI scan, which picked it up,” Michael said. “This was lucky, because a lot of people first present when their bone snaps.”
His niece began chemotherapy immediately and underwent major surgery in the summer to remove the top part of her tibia and knee. She is now walking again with crutches and will continue treatment until November.
Despite missing most of the school year, she’s been able to keep up with her classmates through a small robot that moves from class to class, allowing her to take part in lessons from home.
“She had her 13th birthday in hospital and has had a really rough time of it,” Michael said. “Despite this, she’s so positive and was really keen that we do something to support some relevant charities that fund research into osteosarcoma.
“She’s not thinking about herself but wants to stop other kids from having to go through this miserable experience.”
Michael, who lives in Fortrose with his wife and two children, is a keen runner with three marathons under his belt - but this time, he’s chasing a Guinness World Record: the fastest marathon dressed as a body part.
The idea was inspired by Ollie Shortt, who ran the London Marathon earlier this year for Sarcoma UK dressed in a similar costume. Ollie crossed the finish line in three hours and 32 minutes - a feat Michael is hoping to beat.
He hopes his world record attempt will add “a bit of fun into the fundraising,” but admits the costume brings its challenges: “I ran in the woods but still managed to come across a dog walker. It also gets pretty hot in there!”
The marathon route passes the hospital where his niece is receiving treatment, and Michael hopes she’ll be able to cheer him on.
Kate Quillin, acting head of research at Sarcoma UK, praised Michael’s efforts:
“Michael’s dedication to his niece is really inspiring, and fundraising efforts like his are vital to our work,” she said.
“Our researchers are also exploring new immunotherapies that harness the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer, and developing innovative bone-replacement materials that can kill cancer cells while helping healthy bone to grow.
“Her experience of delayed diagnosis - initially being told it was a hockey injury - highlights exactly why this research matters. We’re working to ensure future patients are diagnosed faster and have access to more effective, personalised treatments with fewer side effects.”
She added: “Every pound raised through efforts like Michael’s marathon brings us closer to better outcomes for young people living with this devastating disease.”
Donations can be made via Michael’s JustGiving page.