On 12th May, I am running the Leeds Half Marathon 13.1 Miles/ 21.1km - in support of Yorkshire Cancer Research!

Like many others, I have personally been impacted by cancer in many forms. Sadly losing my Grandad in 2019, then in 2021, I lost my Dad to Leukemia before he reached the age of 60. Throughout all this, my Grandma continues to be an absolute warrior fighting her own battle against cancer.

In 2021, I swam the length of the English Channel (21 miles) to raise funds for DKMS to support further research into Leukemia. Unfortunately, within just three weeks of hospitalisation, my dad passed away a couple of days before my swim. He was awaiting further diagnosis and treatment at a cancer-specialist hospital. It was devastating to witness how the cancer had gone undetected despite multiple blood tests many months before.

That's why this year, I am dedicating my run to Yorkshire Cancer Research. They are an organization that funds researchers and cancer experts who are at the forefront of early diagnosis and groundbreaking treatments for people battling cancer.

Yorkshire represents nearly 8% of the UK’s population but receives only 3% of medical research funding. This means fewer people can benefit from the opportunity to trial innovative new treatments. Our funding helps attract talented cancer researchers and experts to our region, for the benefit of everyone living in Yorkshire.

By supporting me in this half-marathon and donating whatever you can spare, you'll be contributing directly to Yorkshire Cancer Research's mission. Your generosity will help attract talented researchers and experts to our region, ensuring that everyone living in Yorkshire has access to cutting-edge advancements in cancer care.

For those that know me, you will know running is not my bag. I greatly prefer the pool. I'm literally a fish out of water, my knees are crippled... so any tips before the big day please reach out!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, if you see me out training/gasping for air give me a beep!!

- Abby