Taking on the London Marathon for NBCRC
Clover made a marathon effort to raise funds for Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre after her grandmother, Sue, passed away from cancer last year.
Read her inspiring story to find out how got on at the London Marathon, and raised a whopping £1,317 to help support life-saving research at NBCRC.
Tell us a little more about your fundraising challenge for NBCRC?
My challenge has resulted from what many people class as a very lucky thing to receive, a Virgin London Marathon ballot place. After trying for a the last 4 years, I count myself as incredibly lucky to get one. Some people enter for years and years without success.
What does the cause mean to you?
In late 2019, my grandma was just days away from turning 70, and was diagnosed with multiple cancers. They believed the primary was breast cancer but it was all over her body. She was our strong willed matriarch and was told she could have treatment to manage the disease for years, but in September 2020, she lost her battle. Any cancer research is important, but when I got my ballot place, I wanted to raise funds for somewhere local and possibly less well known for their work. I emailed the charity after seeing them online and they said they had one London Marathon charity place, that at that time was unclaimed and I thought I’d help where I can.
Why is now an essential time for someone to donate to breast cancer research?
Anytime is essential for raising awareness and funds, but after such a tough year, where treatments weren’t as freely available to some, research is even more vital. I’d pray in my lifetime that I can see a cure, so I can tell my daughter she won’t have to worry about herself or her children.
How much are you hoping to raise?
I didn’t have a set amount in mind to raise, for the simple reason I didn’t want to set a target and not reach it. I’d be embarrassed! But secretly in my head that unreachable amount was £200. I’ve now raised £1,317 thanks to some lovely friends and family, and local businesses donating prizes for a raffle. I was still getting donations as I was running round! I completed the marathon in 4:43:30 and the run was everything I expected and more. It was a privilege to run for you.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the researchers and staff?
To the researches and staff, thank you. I’m now a student nurse, after helping care for grandma and be inspired to make a difference following our family journey. I hope to give back, just like the staff at NBCRC are and fight this terrible disease.
Now, more than ever, support from people like you helps our researchers in their mission to beat breast cancer. Thank you.
Feeling inspired by Clover?
There are lots of fun and easy ways you can get involved in fundraising for NBCRC. Click below to discover our latest opportunites and fundraising ideas.