Sue Turbutt, London Marathon 2024 for Bobby Moore Fund

So, some mid-lifers choose sports cars, new kitchens or even brand new lives as their crisis. Me... I've decided to run The London Marathon! To be clear, I was neither athletic nor a runner in my younger or even mid years. If we'd had a dog, it would have eaten my PE kit...on a weekly basis. You get the gist... However, around 10 years ago, my athletic, fit and invincible Dad fell ill. After 6 months of gruelling tests, we received the news that he had bowel cancer. His consistently high level of fitness almost went against him as he battled this debilitating illness for over 3 years. The effect on our family, including our poor Mum and of course our Dad, was life changing. It was a terribly difficult journey for us all to navigate. It was during this time that I discovered running. At first, just on the treadmill in the gym but it provided me with some release from what felt like a living nightmare. As with most people who run for a hobby, I started small, talking and walking more than I ran! By the time my Dad passed in October 2016, I was running 5Ks - quite easily but still only on a treadmill. Having experienced directly and indirectly through many others the devastation and impact that cancer has on family and friends, I want to raise awareness and, more importantly, funds for research. One day, in my lifetime, I hope that none of us will have to go through this. What better time than shortly after my 60th birthday to make my debut (and my swansong - this is most definitely a one-off!) at the Marathon in my birth town, London. I have teamed up with Bobby Moore Fund (part of Cancer Research UK), who are striving to tackle bowel cancer. My Dad was a huge West Ham and England football fan, he loved Bobby Moore, I love my Dad… enough said! Any donation you are able to make to spur me on for what is a huge (and onetime!) challenge, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you on behalf of my family and the other families who will benefit from your generosity.