Runner takes on ten races in memory of friend - The Stratford Observer

Runner takes on ten races in memory of friend

Stratford Editorial 11th Jul, 2017   0

A RELENTLESS runner is taking on ten races to raise money for the charity that supported her friend and colleague who died of cancer.

Jan McLure will be racing to the finish line in memory of Jacqui Evans, who she worked with at Jaguar Land Rover. Jacqui lost her battle with cancer in December 2015, aged just 53.

Jan has decided to run ten different races, covering 120 miles in six months, to raise money for the cancer charity Penny Brohn UK, who supported Jacqui after her diagnosis.

Since March, 43 year-old Jan has tackled the Warwick, Stratford, Worcester and Compton Verney half marathons, the Banbury 15-mile and Arden nine-mile road races, and the Two Castles 10K.




Next up is the Kenilworth half-marathon, followed by the Great North Run, both in September, taking her up to her final race, the Great Scottish Run on October 1.

She has managed to raise more than £2,000 to date.


Jan, who is relatively new to the world of running, got the bug after joining Stratford Athletic Club. When she was challenged by members to take on the Wolf Run nearly a year ago, she was surprised to find she came third in her group.

That is when she decided to take on a challenge of her own: “I thought, I have this level of fitness, why not keep going and do something worthwhile to honour Jacqui?

“It’s extremely tough, but strangely enjoyable and I’m motivated by the fact it’s for Jacqui and Penny Brohn UK, a charity close to all of our hearts.”

Jacqui, who worked as a senior purchase manager at Jaguar Land Rover was an extremely popular member of the team, and the company has hosted a number of fundraising balls in her memory.

The first ball in 2016 raised more than £18,000.

Impressive as this was, this year’s June ball surpassed it by raising a staggering £40,000.

Laura Kerby, chief executive of Penny Brohn UK, said: “Without dedicated individuals and businesses uniting for us, we couldn’t continue to reach people like Jacqui who need our services.

“Jan is inspirational. It’s incredibly touching to hear the efforts she has – and will – go to for us to remember Jacqui.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/j-mclure to support Jan’s running efforts. Visit www.pennybrohn.org.uk to find out more about Penny Brohn UK.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Advertising

Advertise with the Stratford Observer to reach your audience

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.