Harlow running couple to take on London Marathon in memory of beloved Isla
Athletics / Thu 9th Mar 2023 pm31 01:13pm
A DEDICATED Harlow runner is taking on the London Marathon in memory of her much-loved daughter Isla who passed away ten years ago.
Leanne Stepney and her partner Andy Smith, who are both members of Innovation Multisport, are training hard for the big race which takes place on Sunday April 23rd.
As well as training most days they are holding a number of charity events.
A music marathon event at the White Admiral pub on Saturday April 1st.
https://www.facebook.com/events/s/andy-leannes-music-marathon/8892344017474902/
They will also be holding a blind auction for a signed 1999 Manchester United Champions League Final shirt.
We asked Leanne why she was running the marathon.
“My daughter Isla, passed away in May 2013 from congenital Leukaemia. It is a very rare type of Leukaemia that has only been diagnosed 59 times worldwide.
“There is currently 0% survival rate which is largely down to experts not knowing enough about the disease to be able to treat it successfully.
Each year millions of pounds are spent researching the most common cancers but those rarer cancers receive very little funding, if any.
“The charity, Children with Cancer UK, spend their money on vital specialist research into childhood cancers, work to develop safer, kinder cancer therapies less toxic on the body of a child. They invest in research that would otherwise go unfunded, support families whether it be financially, mentally, with hospital accommodation and medical equipment.
This year marks 10 years since Isla passed away and as I have always vowed to keep her memory alive, what better way to do this than helping to save the lives of other children by running the London marathon with Andy by my side, raising lots of money for this incredible charity in Isla’s name”.
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