Runner fundraising to beat cancer at 2017 Ealing Half Marathon

Lining up at the start of the award-winning Ealing Half Marathon on Sunday 24^th September 2017 will be many runners hoping to raise as much money as possible for their chosen charities. Among these will be Vikki Bealing from Hampshire, who will be running her first half marathon for Cancer Research UK after seeing several members of her family affected by the disease.

Vikki lost her father-in-law to lung cancer in 2014 and her grandfather passed away from bone cancer in April this year. Her step mother is battling breast cancer right now, and Vikki is determined to use the Ealing Half to raise vital funds so that Cancer Research UK can continue its world-leading research into the disease.

The Ealing Half Marathon has always been a fantastic platform for charity fundraising and Cancer Research UK is one of the two Lead Charities for the 2017 event. These much-loved charities were chosen by popular request and there will be many runners wearing their charity vest with pride on race day to support these two great causes.

For Vikki, running the 13.1-mile closed road course through the leafy streets of West London will be the furthest she has ever run, and she is both apprehensive and excited ahead of the big day.

“Whenever I have any doubts about crossing the finish line, I try to replicate the positivity and determination my step-mum shows every day, giving me the strength of mind that I will cross that finish line!”, confirms Vikki.

“Realising just how indiscriminate the disease is, my thoughts turn to all the mothers, daughters, sisters and grandmothers who are going through the same journey as us,” continues Vikki. “I hope to show my step mother just how much I love her and that although she is the one facing cancer, she will not face it alone.”

“Cancer Research UK is a charity close to my heart and I am running this half marathon for all those living with cancer, fighting cancer and surviving cancer, in the hope that by running that extra mile and fundraising with passion, we can beat cancer sooner. I am aware that the money I raise today may not directly help my step mum, but it can ensure that crucial research continues to help those in the future; maybe me, maybe my daughters.”

There are just over 10 weeks to go until the Ealing Half Marathon and there is still time to join Vikki on team Cancer Research UK. Anyone inspired to sign up can either get their own place via the Ealing Half Marathon website and then apply for a sponsorship pack from Cancer Research UK, or they can register directly for a FREE charity place through Cancer Research UK with a pledge to raise £350 in sponsorship.

Full details on running the Ealing Half Marathon for Cancer Research UK are available here.

The Ealing Half Marathon was voted the UK’s best half marathon at The Running Awards in 2014, 2015 and 2016, and received Silver in the same category in 2017. A firm fixture in the running calendar, it is well known for its huge community support and lively atmosphere, each year attracting athletes from near and far wanting to soak up the #EalingFeeling. The 2017 race will be the sixth Ealing Half Marathon and is expected to be the biggest and best race yet.

The UKA-measured single lap course covers a route around West London, taking in parts of Central Ealing, Montpelier, Pitshanger, West Ealing, Hanwell and St Stephens before returning to Lammas Park.

Go to www.ealinghalfmarathon.com to sign up to the 2017 Ealing Half Marathon and request your sponsorship pack from Cancer Research UK at https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/find-an-event/sports-sponsorship-pack.

You can also like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ealinghalf and follow @EalingHalf #EalingFeeling on Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest news about the Ealing Half Marathon.