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Leeds woman takes on Leeds Abbey Dash – 10k for Age UK a year after cancer treatment

Thursday, 30 September 2021 11:47

Mary-Beth Whittingstall from Leeds will be taking part in her first ever running race, the Leeds Abbey Dash – 10k for Age UK on Sunday 24th October, 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.

Mary-Beth 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, please visit: https://ageuk.enthuse.com/pf/mary-beth-whittingstall

The Leeds Abbey Dash – 10k for Age UK is taking place on Sunday 24th October in Leeds City Centre. To sign up please visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/dash

 

The money raised will go towards Age UK’s vital work to support older people, including its Advice Line and Telephone Friendship Service.

 

Money raised for Age UK will help the Charity to: 

  • Answer more calls, so that those most in need have someone to turn to for comfort and reassurance at what for many is the most challenging time of the year 
  • Continue to provide its invaluable friendship calls, giving lonely older people what in many cases will be their one chance of regular contact and friendly conversation
  • Maintain its vital advice services to older people who are in financial distress and anxious about staying well and warm this winter, and who have no one else to turn to for help.  

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