On your marks, get set, and fundraise for LMRUK

BLOOD cancer research charity, Leukaemia & Myeloma Research UK (LMRUK) is encouraging people to lace up their running shoes to raise money for charity, one step at a time.

LMRUK is helping to eradicate blood cancer and protect the next generation by investing in specialist research into more effective treatments through the use of stem cell therapies.

Whether it’s walking, jogging or running, with the support of incredible fundraisers, LMRUK is a step closer to finding a better treatment for blood cancer.

Introducing some of the charity’s runners

Tamara Walbourn is running her very first half marathon in May in support of her stepdad Richard Woods, who is currently receiving treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Joining Tamara in the Leeds Half Marathon is good friend, Alex Lewis whose Grandad is also undergoing treatment for blood cancer, as well as William Sudding and Lucas Heappey, both of whom want to support Tamara and Alex to help raise money for vital blood cancer research.

The fundraising foursome has already raised over £1,400 for LMRUK and hopes to reach their target of £3,000 by the time they cross the finish line on the 14^th of May.

Commenting on why she is taking on the Leeds Half Marathon, Tamara said:

“I want to give back and raise money that will help fund the advancement of blood cancer treatments, to help other people like Richard”.

At the end of last year, Lucy Bycroft took on the Royal Parks Half Marathon for her aunt, Louise Smart who had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

Lucy, who raised a phenomenal £1,468 for LMRUK, said:

“I wanted to do this run in honour of my aunt and as my way of giving something back so that hopefully a cure can be found for this awful, aggressive disease”.

Walking as a way to fundraise

It isn’t always a sprint to the finish line though! Some of the charity’s fundraisers are embarking on walking challenges to raise vital funds and awareness of blood cancer.

Chris Stott, a postman from Shoreham, West Sussex, is used to hitting his daily step count, but as a challenge, he will be walking 50 miles this July to fundraise for LMRUK in support of his youngest daughter, Lauren, who is doing a PhD at the University of Sussex, and specialising in finding more effective treatments for leukaemia.

Chris said:

“I couldn’t think of a better way of raising money than by doing something I do for a living. We must stamp out this horrible disease.”

Back by popular demand, the annual Kiltwalk is returning to Scotland, with four big events taking place across the country in Glasgow on the 30^th of April, Aberdeen on the 4^th of June, Dundee on the 20^th of August and Edinburgh on the 17^th of September 2023.

Fundraisers can choose a charity to fundraise for, then set off on one of three pre-planned walks; The Mighty Stride (22.7 miles), The Big Stroll (14.4 miles) and The Wee Wander (3 miles), all of which take in the stunning scenery that Scotland has to offer.

Join the seven wonderful walkers already signed up to fundraise for LMRUK here: https://www.thekiltwalk.co.uk/.

Every penny raised will go directly to your chosen charity, PLUS, the charity can claim any eligible Gift Aid adding up to 25 per cent extra.

Dr Joanna Tilley, Operations Director at LMRUK said:

“We appreciate every penny our brilliant fundraisers raise.

“The enthusiasm and passion shown is truly inspiring and we can’t thank them enough for the part they play in funding vital blood cancer research.”

If you’re interested in stretching your legs and fundraising for LMRUK, then discover all the ways you can get involved here: https://lmruk.org/fundraising/.