Wet Leeds runner Mary-Beth Whittingstall will be taking part in her first race, the Leeds Abbey Dash – 10k for Age UK, exactly one year after receiving hospital treatment for cancer.
The inspirational 35-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks into the first national lockdown last year and has been through several different gruelling treatments since.
After an extremely difficult year Mary-Beth decided to sign up for the Leeds Abbey Dash to give herself a new focus and challenge to work towards. She said:
“I’ve been through a mastectomy, a second surgery to remove affected lymph nodes, six rounds of chemo and 15 sessions of radiation therapy.
“It was the most difficult year of my life, and left my body weakened to the point I wondered if I’d ever feel normal again – but I was determined to get back on my feet and give myself a new challenge, so I signed up for my first running event! I’ve been a keen walker for a while, but I’m a running novice and signing up for the Dash is my motivation to really get moving.”
Lydia Curran, Head of Events at Age UK, said:
“We are so inspired by Mary-Beth’s story and it’s brilliant to hear that, after a very difficult 18 months, she’s using the Leeds Abbey Dash – 10k for Age UK as her motivation to get moving and give herself a new challenge. We wish her the best of luck for the race day and we’re sure she’ll be amazing!
“For anyone else who feels inspired by Mary-Beth then why not sign up to the Leeds Abbey Dash – 10k for Age UK yourself and see what you can achieve. It’s such a fantastic day and the perfect event for all runners regardless of their experience, and by taking part you’ll be helping to make a huge difference to the lives of older people.”
To support Mary-Beth’s fundraising efforts, visit her fundraising page.
The Leeds Abbey Dash – 10k for Age UK is taking place on Sunday 24th October, between Leeds city centre and Kirkstall Abbey.
The money raised will go towards Age UK’s vital work to support older people, including its advice line and telephone friendship service.