Running for Viv: Tracy Runs Leeds Marathon in Memory of Best Friend

Tracy is running the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in memory of her friend Viv, who sadly passed away on the same day as Rob Burrow, on the 2nd June, 2024.

"They are both inspirational legends who are watching over us, making sure we carry on being positive and living our best lives."

It was Viv who got Tracy into running, which she initially hated, but her best friend made it all the more enjoyable, and she was eventually running her local park run every week.

Initially diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012, Viv battled through, and went through chemo and an ileostomy before being given the all clear. Following her battle with bowel cancer, Viv went on to run the London and Rome marathons to raise money for multiple charities.

Tracy ran her own first marathon alongside Viv at the age of 48, and caught the marathon bug, running the London Marathon twice after that.

But, Viv was sadly diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2021; it has metastasized to her bones and lungs.

"She was unable to run anymore - I missed her running with me, but decided to carry on with the marathons for her, and for Cancer Research."

In the following years, Tracy became the voice for Cancer Research's Race for Life radio campaign, managing to raise over £40,000 in the three years that Viv was alive. Viv also made the front page of the Northern Echo, and was awarded a local hero award for her fundraising efforts.

Tracy ran the London Marathon again in 2022, although this time she could not run it with Viv.

"I couldn't be like Kevin and carry Viv over the marathon finish line, but she watched me finish the London Marathon in 2022."

Tracy continues to run to raise money as she believes Viv would have wanted:

"I miss her every single day, but I will continue to set myself challenges - she would want that."