I don’t often do this but here’s a photo post about our life-affirming experience yesterday, completing a 3-mile charity run to raise funds for children’s cancer research with NECCR, the North of England Children’s Cancer Research fund.
Crossing the finish line with Caroline and three of her friends was an intensely proud and joyful moment for me. It doesn’t seem possible to be able to do fun outdoor activities so soon after cancer treatment.
Caroline’s indomitable spirit and sense of purpose on the day summed up the strength of character she exhibited during her entire cancer journey from diagnosis in March 2017 through remission in October 2017 to where she is today; monitored regularly but healthy and thriving beyond expectation.
Team spirit!
The fact she can run and complete a 3-mile challenge is inspiration itself. It was hard to reconcile runner 4783’s energy bomb activity on Sunday with the cancer- and chemo-weakened child she was this time two years ago.
The pictures probably tell the story best.
Children’s Cancer Run
We had a 9.15am start at Gosforth racecourse so Caroline, together with another little boy who’s currently fighting cancer, could officially start the day by sounding the air horn at 9.30 sharp to set the first runners on their way.
A photo for the press
It was surprisingly entertaining, with Caroline’s friends in great glee that she sounded the horn for a few seconds longer than strictly necessary! Always the cheeky fun lover.
Not your average race escort bikes!
We had a couple of hours before our race start time at noon and there was fairground fun to be had. I think the girls were really too big for the tiny teacups!
Chewbacca stole the show but there was a moment of tension when Greedo held a gun to Otto the bear‘s head…
We met up with the rest of Caroline’s school who were doing both the 3-mile run and the mini mile for the youngsters. I think 20-odd pupils and siblings took part, plus parents. A brilliant turn out.
Excitement mounts for our 12 noon start time
Gosforth racecourse turned out to be surprisingly beautiful to run around, with grassy paths, a woodland area and lots of open space. I’ve never done a fun run like this before so it was an eye opener for me.
Caroline had promised there would be cartwheels…
The girls were tired but happy and extremely proud of themselves to have completed this challenge, all with virtually no prior training.
Finishers!
It was a fantastic day, one we wouldn’t have considered possible two years ago. One of the girls who struggled with a stitch kept saying that it was all for cancer and she used the thought to keep going when she struggled.
Everyone who took part in the run deserves to be extremely proud of themselves, and Caroliney’s strength especially made my heart explode. What a warrior!
You can still donate to Caroline’s Just Giving account. So far she’s raised over £1800 and would love to reach £2000.
THANK YOU to everyone who has already donated. Every penny towards research into childhood cancer is a penny well spent.
Find out more about the NECCR fund here.
Read more of Caroline’s cancer journey here.
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