Emma Aldred
Emma's page
Fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust
Story
I'm running the London Marathon on 23rd April 2017 to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust - This is in fond memory of my mate Ben who is sorely sorely missed every day. xxx
The charity is chosen by Ben's Mum, Dad & Sister -
Lynne, Steve & Victoria. All
of whom I owe so much to for their guidance, friendship & support over the years. xxx
Ben was diagnosed with cancer in the year 2000 at the age of 19 -devastating news and a huge huge shock to everyone as he was a very fit and keen sportsman with oodles of energy and zest for life.
On the 8th April 2001 - a 10k charity run was to take place. I was asked if I'd like to take part and as you do at 20 year old you think how hard can a 10k be?! Right?!..... Wrong!! (I wasn't a runner back then either).
I rocked up on the day to complete the run having done NO training whatsoever. I thought if the oldies can do it - then so can I 😂. I'd also got loads of sponsorship so was 100% committed in helping raise funds for Ben whilst he was going through his treatment.
Well I ran and walked, ran and walked - got stitch on the first hill (about a 100 yards from the start) where I asked "are we nearly there yet?" 😂😂 The oldies were getting well in front too. Not good for my street cred let me tell you. 😬🙈
Ben was too poorly that day to take part in any of the event - so he was chauffeured (like a King may I add) by his mum (he totally loved it) around the course to spur people on. He spurred me on alright. He did nothing but laugh at me and my Kevin & Perry impressions all the way around.
It was one of the toughest things I had actually done and I'd totally underestimated the distance. But I was there for one reason and one reason only.... To support my mate when he was having a far tougher time of it than I ever was.
I did manage to finish the whole 6.2 miles.....shamefully the youngest and in LAST place. Lol. I also won't forget to mention the fact that I couldn't walk for about 2 week after either. (No exaggeration) 😂😂 I vowed to never ever run again!!!
That day will remain with me forever....for more reasons than helping me decide that I hated running. Lol. What I did realise is just how strong and precious life is and the people you share experiences with. I'm honoured to have been part of Ben's life.
I did go back to running. Rather a few years later may I add. I'm not that much better at running these days either but I am a more experienced runner than when I was 20!! I also
wish I could say I'd learned my lesson and didn't just rock up to runs without training... but it would be a total lie cos I do. 😂😂😂
Ben sadly lost his battle with cancer in August 2002. A difficult time for all his family & friends, so I have set myself this challenge to celebrate Ben's life & the fun loving approach he had to everything.
I know he will be up there laughing at me and I'm sure there will be a few Kevin & Perry moments too. But guess what - Thousands of people are going to see & understand what Ben stood for and what he still means to everyone 14 years on.
The 3 aims I wish to achieve are:
1. Do Ben & his family proud
2. Raise as much sponsorship as possible to assist others in their battles too.
3. Get as many friends and family involved to share this challenge so I can achieve aim 1 & 2.
Please donate whatever you can. A little or a lot - it all adds up. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.
Wish me luck
Emma xxx
The charity is chosen by Ben's Mum, Dad & Sister -
Lynne, Steve & Victoria. All
of whom I owe so much to for their guidance, friendship & support over the years. xxx
Ben was diagnosed with cancer in the year 2000 at the age of 19 -devastating news and a huge huge shock to everyone as he was a very fit and keen sportsman with oodles of energy and zest for life.
On the 8th April 2001 - a 10k charity run was to take place. I was asked if I'd like to take part and as you do at 20 year old you think how hard can a 10k be?! Right?!..... Wrong!! (I wasn't a runner back then either).
I rocked up on the day to complete the run having done NO training whatsoever. I thought if the oldies can do it - then so can I 😂. I'd also got loads of sponsorship so was 100% committed in helping raise funds for Ben whilst he was going through his treatment.
Well I ran and walked, ran and walked - got stitch on the first hill (about a 100 yards from the start) where I asked "are we nearly there yet?" 😂😂 The oldies were getting well in front too. Not good for my street cred let me tell you. 😬🙈
Ben was too poorly that day to take part in any of the event - so he was chauffeured (like a King may I add) by his mum (he totally loved it) around the course to spur people on. He spurred me on alright. He did nothing but laugh at me and my Kevin & Perry impressions all the way around.
It was one of the toughest things I had actually done and I'd totally underestimated the distance. But I was there for one reason and one reason only.... To support my mate when he was having a far tougher time of it than I ever was.
I did manage to finish the whole 6.2 miles.....shamefully the youngest and in LAST place. Lol. I also won't forget to mention the fact that I couldn't walk for about 2 week after either. (No exaggeration) 😂😂 I vowed to never ever run again!!!
That day will remain with me forever....for more reasons than helping me decide that I hated running. Lol. What I did realise is just how strong and precious life is and the people you share experiences with. I'm honoured to have been part of Ben's life.
I did go back to running. Rather a few years later may I add. I'm not that much better at running these days either but I am a more experienced runner than when I was 20!! I also
wish I could say I'd learned my lesson and didn't just rock up to runs without training... but it would be a total lie cos I do. 😂😂😂
Ben sadly lost his battle with cancer in August 2002. A difficult time for all his family & friends, so I have set myself this challenge to celebrate Ben's life & the fun loving approach he had to everything.
I know he will be up there laughing at me and I'm sure there will be a few Kevin & Perry moments too. But guess what - Thousands of people are going to see & understand what Ben stood for and what he still means to everyone 14 years on.
The 3 aims I wish to achieve are:
1. Do Ben & his family proud
2. Raise as much sponsorship as possible to assist others in their battles too.
3. Get as many friends and family involved to share this challenge so I can achieve aim 1 & 2.
Please donate whatever you can. A little or a lot - it all adds up. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.
Wish me luck
Emma xxx