My Story

Great North Run 2023! Yikes. 

I originally took on this race in place of my Mum, as after signing up she was offered some exciting work out of the country and so couldn't take part. She was totally gutted she wouldn't be raising money for BCRT this time round, but perhaps had a little sigh of relief knowing she had escaped running 13 gruelling miles...? Her work trip in fact fell through, and the wonderful BCRT team transferred the place back to Mum and found me one of my own and so here we are, both running this crazy race together. Ha. Sorry Mum.

I'm running and raising money for all those tragically impacted by bone cancer, but primarily in memory of Frank. Frank, for those of you who may not know, was, and always will be, a St Aidan's pupil. As was I. What a phenomenal school. In April 2016, at just 11 years old, Frank was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer. After enduring 14 rounds of chemotheraphy, 2 months of proton therapy in the States, 8 hour surgeries, and the disease disappearing and then resurfacing once more, Frank devestatingly lost his life on 9th February 2019. 

Whilst battling this cruel disease, Frank continued to remain incredibly strong and his spirit remained cheerful. According to his parents, in response to being asked how he was feeling, in typical teenage boy style he would say "I'm good thanks", and follow up with a huge grin. He adored sports, theatre, Nando's with friends, family, and life. 

A powerful quote written by Frank's family taken from the 'Frank's Fund' BCRT fundraising page summarises the need for fundraising:

"Ewing sarcoma most commonly affects children and young adults aged 10-25 years old and makes up about 1.5% of all childhood cancers. A child, teenager or adult is diagnosed with primary bone cancer every 10 minutes somewhere in the world, but primary bone cancer received just 0.027% of funding from the major UK cancer charities in 2020/21. Treatment protocols are out of date and gruelling. It’s a scandal that the lack of investment means that neither treatment nor survival rates have improved in over 30 years and that there’s so little chance of survival if it returns. 

Frank would never have wanted any child to suffer as he suffered. If his death is to have any meaning at all, it needs to be to help people who are diagnosed in the future by raising funds that can be invested in much needed research".

Please join me in raising money and awareness for such a special cause and for such a special boy. We run to celebrate everything Frank is and was, and we run to support his family. 

Whether you are considering donating or not, please take a moment to read Frank's story in more detail here: https://specialfunds.bcrt.org.uk/franks-fund/ 

Let the half marathon training begin! Thank you in advance. 

Anna x