Residents conquer London Landmarks run for cancer charity

Melksham residents took on the London Landmarks Half Marathon recently, raising more than £800 for a cancer charity.

Christina Street, Christopher Street and Sadie Bosworth completed the 13.1-mile challenge last month to raise funds for Young Lives vs Cancer, the only UK charity with specialist social workers who provide tailored support to children and young people with cancer and their families.

Christina, who has completed four half marathons, said, “We have always raised money for that charity. My friend’s son had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when they were two years old. He is 13 now and is in remission but the support the charity has given the family is amazing. He was in Bristol Children’s Hospital for so long and they didn’t have to pay a thing for accommodation; all paid for by the charity.

“My husband and I raised over the £350 each that the charity wanted us to raise, and we got over and above that just through social media posts.”

The London Landmarks Half Marathon is known for its route around the city’s iconic spots, including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye. Christina said, “It appealed to me because I have done Bath Half before but in London, you run past the landmarks, it was great.”

Ten days before the race, Christina sustained a back injury and was taking painkillers. However, she managed to complete the distance. She said, “I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to do it but I thought I would see on the day. I was just pleased to be on that start line. The night before the race, I was in disbelief that I was even going to attempt it. I was in agony; it was horrible but I managed to do it.

“The event was really good and probably my most enjoyable because I wasn’t going for a specific time and beat my personal best. Finishing it felt like a miracle.”