Grimsby sisters' heartbreaking family loss behind £5k fundraising mission
Two sisters who have embarked on a series of epic fundraising challenges are doing it all in memory of their much-loved grandad. Lottie Bacon, 21, and her sister Georgie, 25, have completed the the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge twice and taken on several other extreme events, raising over £5,000 for blood cancer charities.
They are now preparing for a half marathon in London, and again their grandfather John Botham will never be far from their thoughts. John was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) after experiencing fatigue and recurring infections – some of the most common symptoms of AML - and died in 2015 at the age of 71.
Next up for Lottie and Georgie is the 13.1 mile Hackney Half Marathon on May 19, this time in aid of Leukaemia & Myeloma Research UK (LMRUK). They are training separately - Lottie in London and Georgie in Grimsby - but can't wait to cross the finishing line together.
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Lottie said: “Our family, like many others, has been affected by blood cancer, so we’re keen to help raise awareness and vital funds to support new research and work being done to find more effective treatments for this type of cancer. We were keen to get another half marathon under our belts, and with me already being based in London, the Hackney Half seemed like a perfect choice – and it’s a great excuse for Georgie and my family to visit London for the weekend.
“Georgie lives in Grimsby so we’re both training separately, but we can’t wait to run together on the day – we’re hoping to complete the race in under two hours. I’ve even made us scrunchies to wear in our hair to match our LMRUK red running tops!"
The sisters are following training plans in preparation for the half marathon, as well as joining their local running clubs. Between them, they’ve already raised over £500.
Lottie said: "Our family, friends and colleagues have been really generous and supportive. As a student, money can be tight, but my friends have been fantastic by donating what they can. We’re hoping to make everyone proud as we cross the finish line together.
"I don’t remember much of my Grandad’s diagnosis as I was only 13 years old at the time, but I do remember what an incredible man he was. We all miss him very much and are keen to keep his memory alive by fundraising for blood cancer charities."
What is Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)?
AML is one of the most common types of Leukaemia in adults over the age of 60. It affects the white blood cells that originate in the bone marrow and produces too many immature white blood cells which stop the body from producing the cells which are essential for the immune system.
Dr Joanna Tilley, Operations Director at LMRUK said: “We actively invest in new research to advance the understanding of what causes blood cancer and exploring more effective treatments such as stem cell transplants. This vital work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of fantastic fundraisers like Lottie and Georgie.
“We wish both ladies the very best of luck ahead of the Hackney Half Marathon and we can’t wait to hear how they get on. They’ve raised an incredible amount to support blood cancer research over the last few years, which makes a huge difference in helping to protect the next generation.”
To support Lottie and Georgie, visit their fundraising pages HERE and HERE. For more information about LMRUK, visit: https://lmruk.org/.