A PAIR of passionate Redditch runners have raised almost £6,000 for charity after taking on an unforgettable marathon challenge.
Nicola Noel and Dan Allen, who have both lost members of their family to cancer, ran a grueling 26 miles in Brighton on April 9 in aid of three charities close to their hearts.
Alongside the marathon, the pair organised a masquerade ball and held bake sales, raising £2,300 for Cancer Research UK, £2,162 for Primrose Hospice and £1,500 for Cruse Bereavement Services.
Nicola, from Batchley, ran in memory of her mum who she lost to cancer only last year: “I never in my wildest dreams ever imagined we would raise so much for three different charities all at once.
“But when you see how much it means to people it gives you the driving force to finish what you started.
“There were many days I felt like I couldn’t get out of bed to complete the training I needed but knowing how many people supported and believed in me spurred me on.
“Cancer Research do so much important work. Hopefully my actions will one day mean families do not have to go through the pain myself and my family have been through.”
The 35-year old spoke of the people she met during her run: “One lady shouted out to me ‘thank you – you’re doing it for my mum and all the other survivors out there,’ and that thought carried me through the last few miles.”
Fellow fund-raiser Dan added: “I ran it in memory of my nan and felt rather emotional after crossing the finishing line.
“Knowing what we’d achieved with help from family and friends and knowing together we’d raised a life changing amount – it’s certainly an achievement I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.”
Emma Williams from the Primrose Hospice, said: “We’re delighted that Nicola and Dan chose to support the Primrose Hospice and are grateful for them for taking on the Brighton Marathon in aid of us and for raising over £2,000.
“We welcome fundraising from every avenue, be that a run like the marathon, a cake sale, afternoon tea, through to head shaves and jumping out of a plane.
“We are extremely grateful for all of the support.”
