Beverley woman completes Hornsea Half Marathon in support of Yorkshire Cancer Research

A Beverley woman has completed the Hornsea Half Marathon in support of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Mary Hall took on the distance after her mother-in-law and brother passed away from cancer. Mary also received treatment at Castle Hill Hospital in East Yorkshire following her own diagnosis with breast cancer more than a decade ago.

She said: “I decided to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research because I felt like I should help a charity close to home. It is so important that cancer charities are supported so we can continue to research new treatments and cures.

“I hope the money raised will, in the future, help people like my mother-in-law, my brother, and my dear running friend, who passed away from bowel cancer recently.”

Mary completed the 13.1-mile distance in under three hours.

She continued:

“I had my friends there supporting me, and once I started running, I found I relaxed more and more. The stewards were so helpful and encouraged me to keep going throughout the run.

“Once I’d finished, I received my medal, as well as some food and drink, but the best part was knowing we had played our part in supporting such a worthy cause.”

The 69-year-old is no stranger to long-distance running as she first took up the hobby more than three decades ago.

“I started running in my mid-30s and at the time I was struggling with epilepsy. I found that the more I ran, the more my epilepsy reduced until it stopped completely. I’ve run ever since.

“It was such a freedom not having seizures and I found myself feeling healthier and healthier. My husband and I were doing half marathons most weekends.

“When I was in my 30s, I used to get quite nervous when I was doing running events and I always had butterflies. I still get them now, even though I may not run as fast as I once did, but it doesn’t stop me taking part.”

The funds raised will help prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer in Yorkshire.