Two sisters from Grimsby are preparing to run the Hackney Half Marathon in May to raise money for blood cancer research in memory of their Grandad.
Lottie Bacon, 21, and her sister Georgie, 25, have been fundraising for various blood cancer charities over the last couple of years, raising over £5,000 to support their efforts. This year, the sisters are fundraising for Leukaemia & Myeloma Research UK (LMRUK).
Lottie said: “Our family, like many others, has been affected by blood cancer, so we’re keen to help raise awareness and vital funds to support new research and work being done to find more effective treatments for this type of cancer.”
The sisters will be running the 13.1 mile route on 19th May in memory of their Grandad, John Botham, who passed away with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) in 2015 at the age of 71.
Before being diagnosed, John experienced fatigue and recurring infections – some of the most common symptoms of AML. “I don’t remember much of my Grandad’s diagnosis as I was only 13 years old at the time, but I do remember what an incredible man he was. We all miss him very much and are keen to keep his memory alive by fundraising for blood cancer charities,” explained Lottie.
The pair have also taken part in other extreme fundraising events including completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, twice!
While on placement in Brixton, London with an accountancy firm, Lottie came across the Hackney Half Marathon and after little persuasion, Georgie and Lottie secured their places through our charity.
Lottie
Georgie
“We were keen to get another half marathon under our belts, and with me already being based in London, the Hackney Half seemed like a perfect choice – and it’s agreat excuse for Georgie and my family to visit London for the weekend.
“Georgie lives in Grimsby so we’re both training separately, but we can’t wait to run together on the day – we’re hoping to complete the race in under two hours. I’ve even made us scrunchies to wear in our hair to match our LMRUK red running tops!”, said Lottie.
The pair are following training plans in preparation for the half marathon, as well as joining their local running clubs. Between them, they’ve raised over £500 for LMRUK and are hoping to secure final donations in the lead up to the event. “Our family, friends and colleagues have been really generous and supportive. As a student, money can be tight, but my friends have been fantastic by donating what they can. We’re hoping to make everyone proud as we cross the finish line together”, added Lottie.
AML is one of the most common types of Leukaemia in adults over the age of 60. It affects the white blood cells that originate in the bone marrow and produces too many immature white blood cells which stop the body from producing the cells which are essential for the immune system.
Our Operations Director, Dr Joanna Tilley said: “We actively invest in new research to advance the understanding of what causes blood cancer and exploring more effective treatments such as stem cell transplants. This vital work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of fantastic fundraisers like Lottie and Georgie.
“We wish both ladies the very best of luck ahead of the Hackney Half Marathon and we can’t wait to hear how they get on. They’ve raised an incredible amount to support blood cancer research over the last few years, which makes a huge difference in helping to protect the next generation.”
To support Lottie and Georgie, visit their fundraising pages:
Georgie: https://www.justgiving.com/page/georgiana-bacon-1709325144201
Lottie: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lottie-bacon-hackneyhalffundraising
