A primary-time marathon runner is getting ready to tackle the problem in memory of her mum and in celebration of her finest pal.
Abi Stevens, 28, from Silsden, will tackle the TCS London Marathon in assist of Sue Ryder, the charity that cared for her mum Julie at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice earlier than she died final September.
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Abi mentioned: “Running the London Marathon is my way of remembering my mum and celebrating my best friend’s strength.
“My Mum was somebody I appeared as much as and admired.
“Even when I didn’t live at home anymore, we still spoke every single day.
“I used to name her on the identical time every single day simply to catch up and discuss my day.
“She helped me with absolutely everything.
“No matter what it was – an issue, a call, and even one thing small and foolish – I might at all times go to her.”
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Abi and her friend Olivia at her first fundraising event for Sue Ryder in 2024 (Image: Supplied)
Julie was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in May 2024 and spent her final two weeks at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice after a period of treatment.
Abi said: “The care at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice was unbelievable.
“They did everything they could to make her as comfortable as possible.
“She cherished Kenco espresso and so they made it precisely how she favored it.
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“There was even an ice-cream van one day, free ice cream for everyone.
“It sounds small, however these issues meant a lot.”
Abi taking on Zip the Cow for Sue Ryder (Image: Supplied)
Abi admitted that the experience motivated her decision to run the marathon and raise money.
She said: “I assumed if I may give again to Sue Ryder and assist different households going by the identical factor, then I’ll.
“They made mum so comfortable, and they supported us too.
“It simply feels proper to do one thing for them.
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“I’m a get-up-and-go person, I want to do something positive and make a difference and help them support other families.”
She can also be operating in celebration of her finest pal Megan, who obtained the all-clear after being identified with stage 4 most cancers in July 2024.
Abi mentioned: “It makes the marathon more emotional, but it also makes me more determined.
“You’ve at all times obtained that in the again of your thoughts, if they’ll undergo all of that, I can get by this.”
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Despite being a spin instructor, Abi said she is “not a runner,” and has found the training tough.
She admitted: “The lengthy runs have been arduous, particularly in the rain, and while you’re doing 20 miles by yourself you do assume, why am I doing this?
“But then you remember exactly why you’re doing it.
“I do know it’s going to all repay in the tip.”
Abi Stevens out on a coaching run (Image: Supplied)
You can assist Abi’s fundraising HERE.
Want to affix #CrewSueRyder in the TCS London Marathon 2027? Register your curiosity at present: https://www.sueryder.org/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/events/tcs-london-marathon-2027/
