Marathon effort for Debbie targets ovarian cancer

Debbie Chessum, 43, is already well ahead with her training for the run to take place on April 24 and this year’s cause is close to home.

Debbie, who runs fitness classes for older people, said: “It all started years ago when my daughter, Hollie, now 13, caught pneumococcal meningitis. She made a full recovery, but I decided to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation for quite a few years.

“Then in 2008 my husband Wayne had a brain tumour. He is better after undergoing further treatment.”

She went on: “This year my mother, Susan Jones is undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, so I am running for Ovacome, which gives people support and raises awareness of the warning signs as so few have heard about it.”

Debbie has said she will call it a day on marathons after this one but said: “I’m actually getting faster as I get older and I would love to do under four hours.”

She finds the training a bit lonely at times but loves meeting people and hearing their inspirational stories when she joins in the actual events.

Debbie hopes to raise about £4,000 and you can donate to her cause via her web page: www.justgiving.com/debbiechessum