Jade’s first half marathon became more than a personal milestone, raising £1,028 for a charity close to her family’s heart.
“I have recently completed my first ever half marathon in Leeds and I was running for the charity Yorkshire Cancer Research.
I started running in January 2026 with no race or distance in mind, I was just running for a hobby. During this time, I was telling myself that I would never be able to run a half marathon and if I could run 10k that would be okay for me.
It was in March 2026 that I saw an ad for Leeds half marathon, running for the Yorkshire Cancer Research, and I booked it before I could overthink and decide not to do it. When I booked it, I had 8 weeks to train and raise money for the Charity.
My decision to support Yorkshire Cancer Research was a personal one. My younger brother, Kane, was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2021 and underwent treatment for two years before being given the all-clear in 2023. It was a difficult time for our family, and it felt only right that my first half marathon would be in support of a charity whose work helps people affected by cancer.”
“I initially set myself a fundraising target of £150, but thanks to the incredible generosity of friends, family and colleagues, I raised £1,028.
Overall, from the Leeds Half Marathon and Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, Yorkshire Cancer Research raised an incredible £46,000. Because of this:
- 59 pioneering programmes, including 26 clinical trials, are underway
- 182,000 people can take part in life-saving research and services
- 750 researchers and cancer experts are working right now to bring people in Yorkshire the cancer treatments and cures they need.
Completing the Half Marathon was so rewarding and emotional. My goal was to finish in 2 hours and my final chip time was 1:50:55!
I am incredibly grateful for all the support, encouragement and donations I received along the way.”
