My Story

Myself and six other ladies from Golden Valley Fitness Centre began our running journey together in 2019 when the gym in conjunction with Sport England set up a ladies running club. Unfortunately at a similar time, Emma, Eddie, Stan and Frank started his cancer journey. I knew of Franks family through my God son Otto, who had met Frank through The Courtyard youth theatre and they became great friends.

Franks cancer journey was a particularly difficult one. Over two years of operations, chemotherapy and hospital appointments as a 13 year old boy is clearly very hard but not just for him for his family and friends too. However, throughout this time Frank was simply amazing, always cracking jokes and having fun. His friends and family try to take a little of this forward in his honour and really try to seize the day, be braver. Be kinder. Be More Frank.

As a group we decided to push ourselves and take on a couch to 5k challenge as a fundraiser for this charity. However when COVID struck we were forced to rearrange our plans. 

Fortunately with a 'BeMoreFrank' attitude all of us continued our running endevours through lockdown and when we came out the other side we decided a 5km simply wasn't tough enough to represent this tough young man! 

We therefore signed up for the Cheltenham half marathon on Sunday 4th September! As a group of ladies who are essentially going from no running to manage this task is something we are all quite daunted by but determined, like frank, to fight through and make it to the end. 

So for those that have seen me pounding the roads, waving then slowing down to see if it really is me running and not broken down or being chased, now you know why!

If you can support in anyway we are so appreciative. Even a beep and a wave as you see us ladies pounding the pavement makes all the difference!

Completing this challenge is Myself (Christine williams), Caz Jellard, Lucy Williams, Claire Sage,Tina Pritchard, Carrie Symonds and Andrea Rolph.