Olivia's Giving Page

Hi. My name's Olivia, and to raise money for Cancer Research UK I'm going to run both the Wilmslow Festive 10k this November, and the ASICS Greater Mancheser Marathon next year. I started my running journey over three months ago after graduating from university. Since then I have completed several trail runs over 10k. I also run just under 10k multiple times a week at the gym. I hope to increase that in the lead-up to the Manchester marathon next year. My reasons for picking Cancer Research UK are numerous. Cancer affects us all - young, old, healthy, unhealthy, human, animal, rich, poor... The list goes on! It affected my family and myself in a very personal way several years ago now - when my father was diagnosed with bone cancer in his knee. I remember little bits and pieces - I was much younger at the time. But the pieces that stick with me are both the most hurtful and the most uplifting: The day my dad was diagnosed, and he cried openly for hours, days. I'd never seen him cry. The day he started his chemotherapy, and became really ill and lost all his hair. I'd never imagined him bald. The day he went for his operation, and afterwards when we waited nervously for the results. I'd never visited the hospital so much. The day the hospital told us my dad might not be able to come home for Christmas, because he was still so ill. And then on Christmas Eve, when it turned out that he was coming, and it was snowing outside and we were so afraid that the ambulance wouldn't get to us. But he did get home! Sadly, so many others don't. And then there's now, the present. My dad is recovered and hasn't faced a cancer scare for years. He has had scares in the past - on his lung, on his skin. But they haven't got him down. He's kept fighting, always. I know that my father is only here today due to Cancer Research - and now I can give something back. I'm also doing it for the many people who I know around me who have been affected by cancer - whether they have faced cancer themselves, or a family member has. The bottom line is this: I want to run. I can run. I might as well fund-raise for an amazing charity whilst I'm at it! Thank you so much for reading. All support is so greatly appreciated <3