A Leeds man with deep Scottish roots is taking on an extraordinary challenge, running from Celtic Park in Glasgow to Elland Road in Leeds, in support of Maggie’s Glasgow and Maggie’s Yorkshire, the national charity provides free cancer support and information across the UK.
Joe O’Neill 33, from Rothwell, Leeds, will set off from Celtic Park, the home of Celtic Football Club, and finish at Elland Road, where his lifelong passion for Leeds United began. The route is filled with meaning—each stadium representing holding memories with his late father and the shared love of football that bonded them.
“My dad and I shared so many great memories at both Celtic Park and Elland Road. Given the challenges Leeds has faced over the years, these venues represent the highs and lows we experienced together. It felt only fitting to include them as key milestones in this journey,” he explained.
While he doesn’t have a direct connection to Maggie’s, his motivation comes from reflecting on the support he and his family might have benefited from during his father’s illness.
“When my dad passed away, I struggled deeply—my mental wellbeing was seriously affected. Having access to spaces like those Maggie’s provides would have made a real difference. Cancer doesn’t just affect people physically; it has a profound impact mentally too. Maggie’s helps people find hope, perspective, and the strength to move forward.”
His challenge aims to raise awareness of the emotional and psychological toll of cancer and to shine a light on the vital work of Maggie’s Centres, including Maggie’s Glasgow, located beside the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
“My goal is to promote the incredible services and support Maggie’s offers. It’s okay to feel scared, nervous, or lost—but Maggie’s can help you find your way. I recently came across a metaphor that resonated with me: ‘Be a Lighthouse’ You can’t pull everyone to safety, but you can shine a light to show them help is out there. That’s what I want this run to do.”
Training for the challenge has pushed him physically and mentally, but he says that’s all part of the experience.
“I love the process of training and seeing how I fare when I step outside my comfort zone. I want to bring communities together, visit Maggie’s Centres along the way, and promote the amazing work they do. You can’t create something meaningful by sitting still—you have to take action.”
Although born and raised in Yorkshire, his Scottish heritage runs deep. His grandfather moved from Scotland to Leeds in search of work, while his great-grandfather lived in Rutherglen after relocating from Toome, Ireland—a connection that makes starting the challenge in Glasgow even more special.
Maggie’s offers free practical and emotional support for people with cancer and their families and friends. Built beside NHS hospitals, the centres are places where professional staff provide support in a warm, welcoming environment. Maggie’s Glasgow is based at the Gartnavel Hospital Campus.
For more information or to support the challenge, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/joseph-oneill-4 or for more information about Maggie’s go to https://www.maggies.org/
