Inspired by a school friend’s courage, a popular member of staff  has tackled a series of 5k parkruns to raise funds for charity.

Mrs Fiona Creasey, the Clerk to the Governors at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools, set herself the challenge of completing at least 50 weekly parkruns during 2019

Inventively, she used the first letter at each location to spell the name of her chosen charity, Target Ovarian Cancer, for a series of runs.

Starting in Tewkesbury and ending in Ross-on-Wye, she also ran at venues ranging from Victoria in Canada to Trellissick in Cornwall and Aberdare in the Welsh valleys.

Fiona has now raised almost £4,000, including Gift Aid, for the charity and will be collecting donations until Saturday 18th January.

“Ovarian cancer is often known as the silent killer,” said Fiona.

“Awareness of symptoms is low and women are frequently diagnosed too late for effective treatment.

“Target Ovarian Cancer aims to improve awareness and early diagnosis, funds research and provides support and information to sufferers and their families.”

Despite showing tremendous bravery and dignity throughout her illness, Fiona’s friend, Lisa, lost her battle with cancer in November.

Fiona, who ran at 9am on New Year’s Day, Christmas Day and every Saturday in 2019, completed 55 parkruns in total and has been overwhelmed by the response to her challenge.

“I initially set myself a target of raising at least £2,000 but the support from family, friends, colleagues and other runners has been amazing,” she said.

“Very sadly, Lisa died before I had completed my 50th parkrun of the year but she followed my journey on Facebook and posted encouraging comments every week.

“I hope my efforts will honour her memory, improve awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and highlight the need for further research into this dreadful disease.”

To support Fiona’s Target Ovarian Cancer challenge, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiona-creasey

 

Fiona’s list of parkruns for her Target Ovarian Cancer challenge were:

T Tewkesbury.

A Ashton Court, Bristol.

R Rugby.

G Gloucester North.

E Eastville, Bristol.

T Trellissick, Cornwall.

O Orleans, Ottawa, Canada.

V Victoria, Kitchener, Canada.

A Aberbeeg, Gwent.

R Riverfront, Newport.

I Isobel Trail, Stafford.

A Arrow Valley, Redditch.

N Newent.

C Cwmbran.

A Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan.

N Newport.

C Cardiff.

E Evesham.

R Ross-on-Wye.