There are only a few weeks to go until this year’s TTP Cambridge Half Marathon. Among our incredible 75 Team Tom runners taking part will be Kate and her brother Alistair.
During her thirteen years teaching at St Thomas More Primary School in Saffron Walden, Kate has worked with two incredible pupils who battled both diagnosis’ of and treatments for brain tumours. Both children and their families were supported by Tom’s Trust in their journeys and have since made full recoveries. Kate will now be running the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon with both children in mind.
Kate says: “As a family we are delighted to be able to get join Team Tom with the aim of raising £1500.”
Alongside running for Tom’s Trust, Alistair and Kate will also be running in loving memory of their mother, Shirley Miller, who passed away a year ago after a short battle with brain cancer. Shirley, aged 89, was diagnosed with a glioma brain tumour, which culminated in her admission to hospital on Christmas Day.
Jez Poulter, Kate Poulter, Alistair Miller
Due to their keen shared interest in running, both believe that keeping moving and exercising has been beneficial to them whilst processing their grief and are keen to use running for Tom’s Trust as a positive moment during a dark time in their lives.
Kate adds: “We will be a part of a team of 75 runners taking on the ultimate challenge in Cambridge in March. We will be pounding the pavements to support children with brain tumours and their families. Around 500 children and young people are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year, that’s around 10 a week. Many will experience serious mental health issues as a result of their tumour and 62% of those who survive will then live with life-long disabilities.
“Supporting one child and their family costs over £3,300 per year. The money raised by our incredible team of runners taking part in the Cambridge Half will support many more families. Every mile we run, every pound donated will be helping Tom’s Trust to support another child and enable us to change these young people’s lives.”
Discussing his reason for choosing Tom’s Trust and the work they do, Alistair says: “I have known families who have been affected by brain tumours and have seen the terrible impact it can have on them. So, running to raise funds for Toms Trust is an absolutely appropriate thing to do for me and Kate, to help them advance the support they can provide to children and their families.”
Whilst Kate is content with taking part to enjoy the run and the beautiful atmosphere, Alistair, due to his self-described ‘competitive nature’, will be aiming for a fast time, whilst being aware that this will be dependent on the day’s weather conditions.
Alistair says: “I hear the course the Cambridge half marathon takes is flatter than a steamrollered pancake, which makes me ponder the possibility of a fast time – potentially even a personal best time. I’d need to be faster than 1 hour 58 minutes and 59 seconds to achieve that.”
Good luck Kate, Alistair and all of Team Tom!