A RUNNER inspired by a young woman living with terminal cancer will be competing in a gruelling marathon to help raise potentially-lifesaving funds.
Monique Buckingham, from Colchester, was just 21 when she was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in 2017.
Now 26, she has endured at least 92 cycles of chemotherapy and has seen her cancer spread all over her abdominal cavity – including her uterus, womb and ovaries.
Tragically, at the end of last year she was told her condition is too far advanced to benefit from any further trials in the UK and was placed on an end-of-life care programme with a terminal diagnosis.
After hearing the update in an article published by the Gazette last week, Colchester Harriers Running Club member Lydia Callan was inspired to try and raise money to help Monique.
And so, on April 10 she will be taking part in the Brighton Marathon as the Buckingham family remain determined to keep on fighting while seeking to raise up to £500,000 to fund groundbreaking treatment which could prolong Monique’s life.
Lydia said: “Following her latest setback and shocking diagnosis, I strongly feel she is an absolute inspiration to other sufferers of this terrible illness by highlighting her struggles, challenges and sheer determination.
“This is why I have chosen to run for this amazing young lady through the charity I am associated with - CLIC Sargent young lives vs cancer - as it sits perfectly with my personal objective of always challenging the impossible.”
Read more: ‘I’m not ready to give in’ – Woman, 26, given heartbreaking terminal cancer diagnosis
Lydia has been running as a serious pastime for the past eight years and has twice successfully competed in the London Marathon in recent years, along with the Cardiff Half Marathon and Barcelona Half Marathon.
She has previously ran in support of charities, Mind, Action Medical Research and Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice respectively.
A spokesperson for CLIC Sargent thanked Lydia for supporting it, adding: “It really sounds like Monique has been through so much and we very much appreciate you thinking of us in her name.”
To sponsor Lydia on her marathon run, click here.
You can also reach Monique’s appeal here.
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