“Nearly three years ago my lovely Dad, George Johnson passed away. He had mesothelioma, a very aggressive lung cancer caused by working with asbestos. In some ways I was lucky – my Dad made it to the ripe old age of 88, yet so many people die from this cruel disease way too early in life. There is currently no cure.
“One of my happiest memories of Dad is him taking me to athletics meetings in my childhood. He was always there encouraging and cheering me on; he was my greatest supporter in so many ways. So I entered this fun, festive race along Worthing Prom, in memory of my Dad and to raise whatever I could for Meso UK, a little-known charity that provides free, specialist information, support, improved care and treatment for meso patients and their families.
“I only took up running properly again 11 weeks before my 52nd birthday! But it didn’t take long to get the running bug again. When I run, I can hear Dad saying: “It’s not the winning Cheryl, but the taking part.” – A life lesson that perhaps we could all do with learning, especially me!! Thanks to all my supporters we managed to raise £262.50.”
