A Sharnbrook mum has raised more than £3,600 for a charity that supported her daughter after leukaemia by completing the TCS London Marathon.
Jude Goodacre, 54, took on the challenge in support of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, which helps young people rebuild confidence and optimism after cancer through sailing and outdoor adventures.
The charity supports young people aged eight to 24 living through and beyond cancer.
Jude said the charity had played a “vital role” in her daughter Isabel’s recovery following treatment.
‘Amazing atmosphere’
Reflecting on marathon day, Jude described the experience as emotional, challenging and inspiring.
“Marathon day was amazing,” she said.
“There was such a fantastic atmosphere, which started when I boarded the Bedford Harriers coach with my friend Kitty, who was running for GOSH.
“We were at the start very early, so I sat and chatted to a woman from Texas who had already run the Boston Marathon earlier in the week.
“Then I managed to connect in real life for the first time with Anne and Jonathan, who were also running for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, all of us parents whose child had benefited from the charity.
“Cancer parents are used to talking to each other; you spend many hours on the ward, so we are used to sharing stories. It was very clear how much the charity meant to each of us.”
Jude said one of the highlights of the race was spotting her family and supporters from the charity along the route.
“The race itself was busy and loud and definitely flatter than I was expecting,” she said.
“The absolute highlight was spotting the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust flag amongst the supporters, and I saw my family and the incredible Trust team.
“It was much hotter than training, so I was very pleased to get to the finish in one piece and under five hours.”
Supporting families
Read: Sharnbrook mum to run London Marathon in aid of charity which helped daughter through leukaemia
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust supports young people whose lives have been affected by cancer, helping them regain independence and confidence after treatment.
Jude said the charity’s support can make a lasting difference to both young people and their families.
“I was absolutely blown away by the supporters who have donated, and I was determined to finish to do everyone proud,” she said.
“The trips mean so much to the young people, for whom there is no cost. The money I have raised will enable other children to benefit, and I know the difference it makes to families.
“I gained so much from running the marathon, but I nearly wasn’t brave enough. It was the encouragement and support of the Trust team who helped me gain the confidence just like the Trust did with my daughter Isabel.
“I would encourage anyone who is thinking about it to go ahead. It’s an amazing experience.”
