Hayley Graham
Hayley's Bupa Great Birmingham Run 2014 page
Fundraising for Cure Leukaemia
Story
Welcome to my Marathon Mission!
So, this October, I'll be taking the plunge and running my first ever half marathon, the BUPA Great Birmingham Run, on behalf of Cure Leukaemia and the Cancer research programmes being undertaken at the University of Birmingham.
Many of my family and friends have been affected by Cancer, either as sufferers themselves or witnesses to the impact that Cancer can have on others. Cure Leukaemia has one simple mission: to find a cure for blood Cancer within the next 30 years. This is within reach at the University of Birmingham, and with your donations, this could be made a reality.
This is a personal challenge for myself, both physically and mentally. Not even 6 months ago, I was barely able to get out of bed, let alone think of running a half marathon. As a sufferer of Bipolar Disorder, I realise that my condition has an impact on my life, but this is absolutely nothing compared to the devastating impact that Cancer can have on thousands of lives.
Many Cancer sufferers simply inspire me with their acts of strength and courage, their determination and never give up attitude. They face major challenges and trials on a day to day basis, challenges that would make other people buckle. Challenges that would make me buckle. Now that my disability has stabilised, I believe that this is the opportunity to step up to the plate and extend my profound thank you to every single one of you out there who inspire me.
Of course, this is not just going to be a simple run (or walk, or crawl!), because I don't do simple. Instead, if your donations help spur me to my fundraising goal, then I will run the race in a fancy dress outfit of the highest donators choosing! What more could you possibly want than to see me running around Birmingham making a spectacle of myself whilst raising money for an incredible cause?!