Fab four tackle London Marathon for FORCE
FORCE will have four runners on the start line for this year’s London Marathon on Sunday (April 21).
Cat Moore, Becky Tydd, Ravi Poorun and Sean Schofield will be pounding the streets of the capital, all determined to raise as much money as they can for FORCE from this iconic event.
July 2023 was a life-changing period for Becky Tydd. She secured a ballot place for London after years of trying in the same month that she received a diagnosis of cancer.
She explains: “I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, skin cancer in two main primary sites, which had spread into the lymphatic system. The past six months has largely been spent undergoing treatment, in the way of surgery and immunotherapy.
“I am still currently receiving treatment, but a much less invasive drug, and although much of immunotherapy is positive with high success rates, I’ve also had to deal with the horrendous side effects its caused.
Excited
“I’ve chosen to make it (London Marathon) a challenge now as I don’t know what the future holds.
“Having been given the green light to run, I am excited to be taking part, although apprehensive as to how my body will cope with the training as well as the ongoing cancer treatment. I continue to run for me and my wellbeing as it gives me a purpose to keep going.
“FORCE has been a haven, somewhere to go for advice and support. The Centre has been a place I can drop into for tea, coffee and a friendly face, run by an amazing, caring and knowledgeable team, who are specifically trained to deal with everything from practical concerns to offering psychological support, as well as, holding many classes and events.”
You can sponsor Becky at https://www.justgiving.com/page/rebecca-tydd-1707169128310
“Any amount is greatly appreciated and helps FORCE to continue supporting those affected by cancer,” she said.
Life was looking good for young doctor Ravi Poorun.
He and his wife had just welcomed their second child into the world and his training and research into paediatrics was going well.
Ready
Then he was hit by a triple whammy – pneumonia, sepsis and cancer. But after a year of immense highs and lows, Ravi is in good health and will run the London Marathon to raise money for FORCE as a thank you for helping him and his family through the toughest of times.
He set a personal best for the half marathon in the Great West Run just three months after surgery for kidney cancer. Now Ravi Poorun is ready to tackle his biggest running challenge.
“The achievement gave me momentum for an even greater goal – to run the London Marathon in 2024 to raise funds for FORCE. I have been training hard and FORCE has been with me every step of the way. Their support has helped me find light in some of my darkest hours. On April 21st I will take on the marathon challenge in aid of this amazing charity. Please support me. Your donation will help FORCE continue supporting people in our community who face health battles and hard times like I have,” he said.
You can sponsor Ravi at https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ravi-poorun
When Cat Moore crossed the London Marathon finish line in 2019 she vowed: “Never again!”
But on the spur of the moment, she put her name into the ballot for 2024 along with more than half a million others seeking one of the 20,000 places.
To her surprise, she was successful and knew straight away that she wanted to raise money for a local charity.
Having ridden The Nello, FORCE's annual cycle event, Cat knew about FORCE and although she hasn’t needed to use their services herself, she knows others who have and it seemed like the perfect fit.
“I’m really happy to be able to choose to raise money for FORCE and support their work in helping anyone affected by cancer,” said Cat.
Grateful
“I’m so grateful for any donations, I know it’s tough to find the spare change at the moment. The support helps me no end on those long, cold training sessions. Thank you.”
Preparation has been tough with so much bad weather over the winter. Cat has had to fit in sessions between her full time job and volunteering at weekends as Team Manager to the Exeter Chiefs women’s rugby team.
But she’s in good shape and has set herself a target of finishing the marathon in under five hours.
“I’m really looking forward to it. The day is a celebration of all the training you’ve put in. The atmosphere is incredible. There’s nothing to compare to the wall of noise you hear all the way round. I really want to enjoy the whole experience,” said Cat.
You can support Cat’s efforts at https://www.justgiving.com/page/catherine-moore-1704194507830
Thrilled
Sean Schofield has been trying to get into the London Marathon for more than 10 years and is thrilled he’s finally made it.
He is raising money for FORCE in memory of his mother-in-law, Jane.
“Although we did not lose her to cancer, this was a cause close to her heart. Jane was waiting for me to get my place in the Marathon and I know she would have been there with Ian, Nic and the boys cheering me on! So, this seems fitting!” said Sean.
You can support him and FORCE at https://www.justgiving.com/page/sean-schofield-1708279085035
FORCE would like to wish all four of their London Marathon runners the very best of luck.
