Francesca's Mission: Running the Yorkshire Marathon to Raise Money for Lung Cancer

Francesca is running the Altra Yorkshire Marathon in October in memory of her dad Andy to mark 10 years since losing him to lung cancer.

He was diagnosed with cancer around the time of his 45th birthday, just after Francesca started her first year at York St. John University. Despite beginning treatment soon after, the cancer was too advanced, and he passed away at Christmas only 10 weeks later.

When Francesca returned to university, she became more active to help her mood, and keep her on track throughout the rest of her course. In 2016, she completed 32.5 miles of the Isle of Man Parish Walk to raise money for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the only dedicated lung cancer charity in the UK, working to improve the lives and outcomes of sufferers. They also work to reduce the stigma attached to lung cancer for people such as Francesca's dad, who was a non-smoker and led a healthy and active lifestyle.

"One of the first things people said when I told them my dad had lung cancer was 'did he smoke?'"

The stigma surrounding lung cancer can lead to later diagnosis and poorer outcomes for people like Andy, as well as the families who lose loved ones.

"One of my favourite memories with my dad was visiting York together for my university interview earlier in 2015. From that moment and throughout university, York became a really special place to me, so the Yorkshire Marathon feels like the perfect event to fundraise for a charity close to my heart, to mark 10 years since my dad passed away."

Francesca's dad was a well-respected police sergeant on the Isle of Man, an active man who loved running. He is remembered as a wonderful dad and husband, with many describing him as the life and soul of every party.

"I'm really hoping I can do him proud at the Yorkshire Marathon 2025."

You can support Francesca in her efforts to raise money for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation by visiting her JustGiving page, seen below.