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This weeks runner feature is the incredible Kat and Libby. This pair have set themselves one hell of a challenge all in aid of Cancer Research UK in the loving memory of Libby’s mum Jo, and Kat is going to tell us all about it!

Runner Feature - Kat & Libby RunThrough Running Club London

I’m 32 (Left), Libby (Right) is 24 and we both live in Warrington, Cheshire.

This year, we would like to put our self to the test and raise as much money as we can for Cancer Research UK.

Our target is £5000!

In 2017, Libby and her brother Bailey sadly lost their beautiful Mum Jo.

At age 42 Jo, was diagnosed with Melanoma. She beat this, but then in 2017 Jo was then diagnosed with bowel cancer and lost her battle on 31st August 2017 at age 48.

Libby was 22 at the time and her brother 18 – as you can imagine, Libby and Bailey’s world was turned upside down as they had to come to terms with the loss of their mother at such a young age.

Naturally Libby and Bailey were heartbroken, but instead of becoming victims and dwelling in sadness (which would only be natural) they both have been incredibly positive and celebrated their mums life.

Libby is my very best friend. You would not believe the strength, energy and happiness she continues to radiate!! 

Libby has turned a horribly sad situation in to something really positive, and together we have plans to support Cancer Research UK.

In 1998, I lost my grandma to bowel cancer, it’s been 20 years this year. How can life pass by without the most important people in your life being there to share it with you?!

My grandma was too embarrassed to go to the doctors, so by the time she did; her cancer was 6” long – the same size as a small ruler. She had no chance!

This year myself and Libby have decided to do our bit and plan to raise money, raise awareness and celebrate those we miss.

On February 23rd, Jo would have been 50 and so to mark the occasion, we plan on embarking on 50 CHALLENGES. These need to be completed by Jo’s 51st birthday.  We intend for these challenges to be truly gruelling and a real test. If we want people to back us and donate plenty of money, we really need to push ourselves and that is exactly what we are going to do!

Once these have been completed, we plan to have a HUGE fundraising party to celebrate with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.

Take a look at what our challenge involves…

February

Sunday 24th February – 4 Hour Spinathon

Tuesday 26th February – 10k Run

March

4th March – 90 Minute Body Combat

7th March – 15K Run Victoria Park

19th March – 15K Run Victoria Park

24th March – Wilmslow Half Marathon

26th March – 100 Length Swim

April

2nd April – 15K Run

15th -19th April – Climb 200 flights every night for 5 nights

22nd April – 5 Hour Spinathon

23rd April – 100 Length Swim

30th April – 15k Run Victoria Park

May

6th May – 3 Hour Spinathon

9th May – 150 Length Swim

12th May – Tatton 10k

16th May – 15k Run Victoria Park

19th May – Great North Run Half Marathon

21st May – 150 Length Swim

25th May – Rock n Roll Liverpool Half Marathon

27th May – 5 Hour Spinathon

30th May – 100 Length Swim

June

2nd June – Pretty Muddy

8th June – Great North Swim 1 Mile

15th June – Rough Runner Arley Hall

22nd June – Midnight Walk

30th June – Dragon Boat Race

July

7th July – Climb Jacks Rake, Snowdon

13th -14th July – Peak District Ultra Challenge

18th July – 10k Run Victoria park

August

6th August – 10k Run

13th August – 15k Run

18th August – Climb Snowdon

26th August – 10k Holiday Run

September

3rd September – 10k Run

7th September – Scafell Pike

12th September – 15k Run

15th September – English Half Marathon

21st September – Warrington to Liverpool Walk

28th September – Warrington to Manchester Walk

October

6th October – KAPOW Run

9th October – 2 Hour Spinathon

15th October – Bridge Run

19th October – The Big Jump Sky Dive

November

6th November – 2 Hour Spinathon

9th November – 12 Hours on a Treadmill

12th November – Row a Marathon

December

TBC – Santa Dash 10k Run

24th December – Christmas Eve Spin

January

13th-19th January – 1500 Calorie Burn every day for 5 days

16th January – 5 hour Spinathon

 

PARTY!

 

Last year we completed 5 challenges in 5 weeks to support St Rocco’s Hospice who cared for Jo before she passed.  We raised £1,500.00 by completing a 3hour spinathon, running the Great North 10k, climbing Jacks Rake, Snowdon, and winning a dragon boat race. There was a huge amount of blood, sweat and tears, and although it was really agonising; it was totally worth it. See the pictures below of these challenges…

Runner Feature - Kat & Libby RunThrough Running Club London

Kat & Libby have started a YouTube channel to not only share their challenges but to publish videos documenting the battles Libby has had to face coming to terms with life without her mum. What an incredible admirable thing to do that will no doubt touch many hearts and also help others with their own personal experiences wth cancer and illness within their family.

Together Kat & Libby aim to turn a horrible situation in to something really positive by continuing to share their overflowing love and energy!

As they say themselves – “We’re two girls who want to make a big difference.”

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If you can help them make a difference and are able to donate head to their fundraising page HERE

You can find and follow Kat and Libby on Facebook @katandlib and on Instagram @libbyhartleyy and @katherinedavies29