Determined ex cancer patient, Alison to run her very first marathon

60-year-old Alison Thomson from Scotland is on a mission to run her very first marathon in her sixtieth year.

Following Rob’s journey and Kevin Sinfield’s challenges for MND, Alison knew she wanted to take part in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon as her first marathon challenge.

Originally signing up for the 2023 inaugural event, Alison was set back after she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Just before Christmas of 2022, Alsion had been experiencing sinus problems and found a lump in her neck, which she thought was caused by an infection.

Unfortunately, the reality was much worse and after tests and scans, Alison was told she has an aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 

Despite her diagnosis, Alison was determined to complete the marathon her way and over the next few months, clocked 26.2 miles by running around her local area and even completed 10 while receiving chemotherapy.

As a result, Alison raised £2,371 that she was able to donate towards the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal.

Running as part of the Team Leeds Hospitals Charity who will be running this year’s marathon, collectively the team will be continuing to raise important funds needed for the charity’s appeal to build a specialist Motor Neurone Disease centre at Seacroft Hospital. Making Rob’s dream a reality, so far, £5.4m has been raised towards Leeds Hospitals Charity target of £6.8m.

Receiving the all clear in September 2023, Alison still suffers from fatigue but is extremely determined to cross the finish at this year’s Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.

“I am determined to defy the odds, just like Rob has throughout his life off and on the rugby pitch, and make it to the 2024 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon!

“I’ve followed Rob’s journey and Kevin’s challenges for MND, so when I saw I could fundraise at the marathon for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND Appeal, I jumped at the chance to take part! Taking part in this run is nothing compared to the struggles that people living with MND and their families face on a daily basis.

“My training is going ok.  I actually felt quite energised.  I felt so good I gave my ‘Aberdeen Endurance Joggers’ running buddies a big hug. They have been so supportive of me whilst going through my chemo and since I’ve came back running with them again. 

Good luck Alison, from everyone here at Run For All. We hope you have a fantastic marathon experience with us and raise important funds for such a great cause. 

The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, in partnership with Clarion is taking place on Sunday 12^th May, the same day as the Leeds Half Marathon.

Entries are still open, potential participants are asked to go to www.runforall.com to find out more.