REDDITCH resident Lizzie Tovey is undertaking the incredible challenge of running and walking 26.2 miles between her fourth and fifth chemotherapy cycles for breast cancer.
Lizzie has vowed to complete the distance as part of the 2.6 Challenge, after she was forced to pull out of running her second Virgin Money London Marathon – which was later cancelled – after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
Lizzie was set to run the marathon for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) after she started losing her sight in her 30s.
She now has limited central vision in her left eye and very little vision in her right eye caused by glaucoma, and was registered severely sight impaired in 2014.
Lizzie has received support from RNIB since losing her sight through the charity’s local support networks and has also had practical advice on adjusting to life with sight loss.
She has given back to RNIB and other sight loss charities having previously run a marathon, four half marathons and a number of 10K races.
“RNIB has always been there for me, so I wanted to give something back by running the London Marathon for them, until my diagnosis put a stop to that,” she said.
“Now, I’m going to complete the entire marathon distance between my fourth and fifth chemo cycles instead.
“My fourth cycle was on April 23, so I have until my fifth cycle on May 14 to finish.
“This is a huge physical and mental challenge for me, especially as my chemo makes me feel unwell and exhausted afterwards, but I’m determined to do it.
“Walking and occasionally running on the treadmill, and doing virtual challenges, either on my own or with friends and guides has been a lifesaver. It’s motivated me to keep going and stay as strong as I possibly can.”
The 2.6 Challenge has been organised by the London Marathon team after the event, which should have taken place on Sunday 26 April, was cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Originally aiming to raise £260 for RNIB, Lizzie has smashed her target, so far raising over £1,700.
The money raised will help blind and partially sighted people stay safe, connected and able to access all the support available to them during the coronavirus pandemic.
To support Lizzie’s 2.6 Challenge and support RNIB visit: www.justgiving.com/lizzie-s-chemo-bashing-2-6-challenge
