Mums marathon effort to raise cash for charity

A FORRES woman is preparing for a fundraising challenge with a very special reason for taking part.

Elizabeth Watson is preparing to run in this weekend’s London Marathon for the Maggie’s Centres Charity, in support of her neice who has an aggressive form of cancer.

The 26 mile 385 yards race is run near the River Thames, with the 2014 race due to be held on April 13.

She has set herself an ambitious fundraising target, and is hoping to do well on the day.

Her neice, Stephanie Griffiths, who is 30, and was recently married, was diagnosed in 2011 with aggressive melanoma skin cancer, after discovering an odd looking mole on her back.

“There is a little bit of a tendency for people to go ‘skin cancer equals too much sun or sun bed,” said Elizabeth. “But Stephanie is a very sun sensitive fair-skinned, red-head who has always had to stay out of the sun.”

Stephanie who lives in Wales, is a Stage 4 Terminal Cancer patient, who has already been a participant in a trial drug available only to terminal patients, which has been successful in buying her more time, but things are not good.

She has been receiving treatment at Swansea Hospital, over the past two years, and Elizabeth explains that the young woman “who really wants to live” has also been subjected to major surgery, chemo, experimental drugs and radiation. Stephanie’s mother is also facing her own battle with cancer and her sister, Victoria has taken on the role of looking after everyone and everything.

Stephanie recently visited a hospital in New York, during her honeymoon, and is on a waiting list for a pioneering new drug, but in the meantime, she is extremely ill.

Elizabeth who is a Forres Harrier, said she wanted to show support to her family, by raising cash and awareness during her run.

She has previously run two other marathons, including the Loch Ness in September 2012 and achieved her club place after finishing last year’s London Marathon in 3 hours 56 minutes which qualified her for the 2014 event.

“Before joining Harriers I have run on and off, but never further than a half marathon and I always thought anyone who would then consider running that distance again was crazy!” she said.

Running is a family occupation, Elizabeth’s husband and her children: 19-year old daughter and 11-year old son are in the Harriers as well, and they are supporting her all the way.

As well as completing the race, Elizabeth is also trying to raise £2638.50 - which more or less equals the exact distance of a marathon which is 26 miles 385 yards.

Statistics show that 1 in 3 people get cancer which Elizabeth says she is now acutely aware of, through her own family circumstances.

She decided to do the marathon in support of her family who have received “invaluable support” from a Maggies Centre there.

“Maggies support families as well as the cancer patient,” she said. “This is just as valuable.”

Elizabeth has also received moral support from Maggies in Inverness prior to the big run.

Maggie’s Centres are staffed by Cancer Support Specialists, Benefits Advisors, Nutritionists and Psychologists who can support people in whichever way best suits their needs.

Sufferers and their families can also talk to, and get support from, a range of professional people.

Elizabeth said that Stephanie and her family have received valuable support from staff at her local Maggie’s, who have been there to help with everything from counselling to wigs and make-up; with classes ranging from therapeutic art to yoga.

“Most importantly it has simply been a relaxing place where Stephanie, as well as her friends and family could go instead of having to spend hours in depressing hospital rooms,” said Elizabeth.

“There has always been someone there ready to welcome you with a cup of tea, some homemade cake and a shoulder to cry on,” she added. “Cancer is a terrifying disease and I truly don’t know where families would be without the love and kindness the Maggie’s staff gives.”

To help Elizabeth achieve her ‘marathon’ for Maggies go to virginmoneygiving.com/ElizabethWatsonBischoff