Steve was going to run the London Marathon 2020 in memory of his mum, who passed away from breast cancer. Instead, he’s been organising virtual fundraising and marathons to continue to support Breast Cancer Now.
Steve was going to run the London Marathon 2020 in memory of his mum, who passed away from breast cancer. Instead, he’s been organising virtual fundraising and marathons to continue to support Breast Cancer Now.
My mum died a few years after my dad
My mum died of breast cancer in 2014, a few years after my dad passed away from a brain tumour. The impact of losing both parents to cancer had a huge impact on my family. They had lived healthy and happy lives, and it was devastating to lose them to the disease at a relatively young age.
Since losing mum, I’ve had a strong motivation to support charities like Breast Cancer Now who fund life-changing and ground-breaking research. In 2018, I ran my first London Marathon in memory of my dad. This year, it was meant to me in memory of my mum. I was so proud to get a place to run in support of Breast Cancer Now and join Team Now.
I was training right up until lockdown
My plan had been to run both the Manchester and London Marathons. I was training right up until the initial pandemic lockdown and completed my last 20-mile event at Oundle just a couple of days before the postponements for each marathon were announced.
During lockdown, I continued to run regularly to make sure I was ready for the new autumn dates. Since lockdown’s eased, I’ve completed two virtual marathons with friends from my running clubs and am looking forward to running my virtual London Marathon on 4 October.
COVID-19 has had such a huge impact on charities
I was disappointed when the London Marathon was cancelled, but I know it’s the right decision. COVID-19 has had such a huge impact on charities, and it’s still so important to raise the profile of how vital charity fundraising is. Breast Cancer Now needs to continue to fund fantastic work into research and provide care and support to all those currently affected by breast cancer.
I’m motivated to keep fundraising thanks to the partnership my employer Anglian Water has with Breast Cancer Now. I want to help promote awareness with colleagues, partners and our customers. I’m currently putting together plans to run the marathon distance between two Anglian Water sites, and finish at one of our recreation water parks on 4 October.
Fundraising for Breast Cancer Now has kept me going
If you’re looking to fundraise, make sure you base it around something you enjoy. I love running but coupling it with the motivation to fundraise for a cause so close to my heart had really helped me through training (particularly in the dark cold winter nights!)
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. So many people have had their lives affected by breast cancer and are keen to support such a worthy charity. Use social media to get your message out. I also have to acknowledge my friends, colleagues and our partners at Anglian Water, who have always given me such fantastic support.
Anglian Water offers additional practical support to their customers, including those with serious or long-term illnesses, through their Priority Service Register. If you’d like to find out more, just visit their website.
We need your support now more than ever before. Join Stephen and take on a sporting challenge to fundraise for Breast Cancer Now