My name is Abbie and I will be running the Yorkshire Marathon on Sunday 14th October 2018 to raise money for two great causes:

Ava’s Journey

Ava is the daughter of one of my close friends, Leanne. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma in April 2018, just 2 weeks after her 2nd birthday. Ava has had multiple surgeries and has undergone extensive treatment including chemotherapy to attack the tumours throughout her body.
Neuroblastoma is a rare very aggressive childhood cancer with a survival rate of <45% with a 1 in 2 chance of relapse. A relapse leaves limited treatment options and is almost always terminal. HOWEVER, the Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital in New York have been trialling a drug which has had brilliant results with keeping children cancer free for years longer than ever before. The cost of the vaccine is US $160,000. It would be devastating for Ava to go through all of this and risk a relapse.

When the time comes the money raised will go towards sending Ava and her family to the US to have this treatment without any delay and risk of Ava relapsing.

Ava deserves to have the best chance of a long and happy life which means ensuring she doesn't relapse.

The Jane Tomlinson Appeal

The Appeal was launched as a legacy to Jane Tomlinson who died from cancer in 2007. Before her death, Jane raised £1.8m for children's and cancer charities through a series of incredible endurance events. Jane became the first person with cancer to finish the London Marathon in 2002. She then went on to complete numerous triathlons and iron man contests, a cycle ride from Rome to Leeds, and a 4,000 mile bike ride across the width of the USA.

Jane took part in many of these challenges while undergoing chemotherapy treatment and was often in immense pain. She refused to be defined by her cancer and would not give in. After her death Jane's family carried on her good work by raising millions for charity.

The money raised will be split between both charities