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I am running Bournemouth Half Marathon on Sunday 10th October. It is my first ever half marathon. I am raising money for Cancer Research UK and this is why...

Cancer Research UK is a charity close to my heart. My great grandma passed away from cancer when she was 52 years old, my grandma was only 16. My grandmother has recently told me this story in full and it brought tears to my eyes. I can't imagine what she must have gone through. 

My grandma (81), over the last 15 years, has been fighting cancer herself on and off. In 2007, she found a breast lump, was told it was cancerous but thankfully they caught it early and it was removed. Then in 2017, it was found that she had cancer in one of her ribs. She had an operation which removed the rib and was replaced with a titanium rib. I visited her in hospital. Since this operation she takes daily medication that helps to prevent the spread of cancer. 

This year her cancer came back again, she was informed that she had cancer in her lung. In August, she had a major operation to remove a third of her lung that was cancerous. The operation was successful. I picked her up from hospital and helped her by doing Sainsburys trips (thanks to the summer holidays!) As we speak, she is still very much recovering but has recently come off her painkillers. 

My Grandad developed bladder cancer in 2004, he was put on chemotherapy but unfortunately this did not work. His bladder was removed in 2008. Over the next couple of years, the cancer spread to his kidneys and the doctors told us they couldn't do anymore for him. He passed away from cancer in 2011 after being in hospital for months. I was 14. 

Also, my great uncle has had testicular cancer, thankfully it was caught early and he is now recovered. 

So, I am dedicating Bournemouth Half Marathon to my grandparents and to anyone else currently fighting, who has fought or has lost their battle with cancer. The event starts at Hengistbury head and finishes on Bournemouth pier. It goes along some cliff paths as well as along the promenade. I am aiming to do it without any walk breaks and for a time between 2 hours and 2 hours 20mins, which is between 05:43 and 06:40 minute kilometres (09:12-10:44 minute miles). 

Any donations would be very much appreciated, thank you.

Lauren xx