We are running the 2017 Lisbon Half Marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support on behalf of the Monarch Foundation.

One day last October Jacqui bumped into Colette at work and asked if she did any running as she knew she lived close by in Harpenden. “A little,” came the reply – and the rest, as they say, is history! 

We both love a challenge, and Jacqui had found us one - The Lisbon EDP Half Marathon. 

A week later training began and armed with ‘The Beginner’s Half Marathon Training Plan’ we were off – we’ve persevered whatever the British weather has thrown at us, it’s been tough and occasionally very slow but we have always been very  determined! Three months on and we are well into our training and now counting down the weeks until we pound the streets of Lisbon.  

We run, we talk, we sometimes moan and we laugh. We have been breathless, our muscles have ached but we encourage each other when the going gets tough, which is generally up hills – we hate hills! During these times a new friendship has flourished and we discovered that some situations we have faced in our lives have been very similar, one being that we have both lost a family member and some very close friends to cancer.

Colette’s father John sadly lost his battle with cancer just a few months after being diagnosed - a brave and wonderful Dad and Papa who is remembered every single day. Her friend Marie fought so hard but sadly died leaving a husband and two very young children almost five years ago.

Jacqui’s sister Caroline lost her fight with cancer at the age of 31 leaving her young family behind, the years may have passed but the memory of her kindness, laughter and energy is still going strong.  Only last year Jacqui’s cousin Jonathon also lost his battle leaving his wife Jo and 4 young children.

We will be running for John, Caroline, Jonathon, Marie and for those we know that are courageously battling cancer at the moment. We must mention Jacqui’s lovely Dad who died very suddenly just before Christmas just when our training was stepping up a gear. Jacqui didn't have the chance to tell him she was running the half marathon but knows how proud he would have been, making her even more determined for us to succeed and hopefully raise some money for this amazing cause.

Cancer patient and carer support is vital to all those who are affected by cancer and the work that Macmillan does is incredible.  So in tribute to our loved ones we’ve chosen to run this half marathon to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support. Please support us – no matter how small your donation is it will make a difference to
someone’s life.

With 2.5 million people now living with cancer in the UK, Monarch's fundraising for charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support has never been more important. Macmillan’s ambition is to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer and to inspire millions of others to do the same. They know that a diagnosis can affect everything. From specialist healthcare and information to financial support and campaigning for better cancer care, Macmillan is a constant source of support, making sure that no one faces cancer alone.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure and the money goes directly to Macmillan. 

Thank you for supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and us.