A WOMAN whose mum has been cared for at a cancer centre ran more than 50 miles last month to help raise vital funds.

Alice Jones took on the running challenge to raise cash for Maggie’s Merseyside.

Throughout the month of January Alice ran more than 50 miles and raised an outstanding £1,768.

She said: “In October 2018, my Mum was diagnosed with bowel and colon cancer. As a family, we felt like our world was falling apart.

"When I saw the Maggie’s 50 Mile Challenge come up on my Facebook, I didn’t even have to think twice about signing up for it.

"I knew I wanted to do something for Maggie’s in return for all that they have done for my Mum and many others in this position.

"With Covid-19, I have been unable to be there for my Mum throughout her journey with cancer which I have found extremely tough, but knowing Maggie’s has been there to support her has put my mind at ease in times of worry.

"I never for one second imagined I would raise over £1,700 for Maggie’s Merseyside. The support from friends, family and even total strangers has been so overwhelming and I feel very grateful.

"I have now registered to take part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon with a charity place to run for Maggie’s once again. No amount of money or running will ever repay how grateful we feel as a family towards Maggie’s, but I hope that by sharing our story, and raising awareness we can help others in similar situations."

Alice’s mum Karen said “When I first began visiting Maggie’s I joined the general cancer support group in disguise as the “Knit & Natter” group.

What a lovely Friday gang of staff, volunteers and knitters. I’ve loved every minute of it and feel I can offload and receive such caring support as well as good advice about things I’d never thought of.

"Two years on from my cancer diagnosis, in August 2020, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and lung cancer. I went back to Maggie’s during the pandemic, the knit & Natter group were unable to meet but it was still reassuring to visit Maggie’s to talk and get support, when I was unable to see anyone else face to face.

"I honestly don’t know how I’d cope without Maggie's.

Karen’s husband Alan, who has also faced a diagnosis of cancer, said: “Having been diagnosed with bowel cancer five years ago, I found the Maggie’s centre such a wonderful place for support and general advice and of course the endless cups of tea”.

Maggie’s has 25 years of experience providing free cancer support and information in centres across Great Britain. Built in the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals, the centres are warm and welcoming, and are run by expert staff who help people live well with cancer.

During the pandemic Maggie’s centres are open to see people by appointment and limited drop ins, for those who are visiting hospitals. This support runs alongside our ongoing phone, email and digital support. In 2020 Maggie’s supported people in centres, by phone, email and online,150,000 times.

Everyone needs something different to help them cope, Maggie’s work with each individual to identify support that empowers them to negotiate a way through their own cancer journey making life feel more manageable. Maggie’s provide this free of charge to people of any age, with any type of cancer, at any stage of their illness. Bewildering changes not only affect the person with cancer, but also their family and friends, Maggie’s offers all of their services to them as well.

With lockdown restrictions in place Maggie’s professional practical, emotional and social support is more important than ever before.

Maggie’s Merseyside, in the grounds of Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Wirral, is welcoming anyone with a cancer diagnosis, or their family and friends, in a way which adheres to all local and Government guidelines.

Kathy Wright, Maggie’s Merseyside Centre head, said: “We know people with cancer need Maggie’s now more than ever. Cancer is possibly the hardest experience of a person’s life, yet coronavirus and restrictions have made living with cancer even more difficult.

"If you or anyone one you know need to chat please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re extremely grateful to people like Alice, it’s because of our supporters that our doors remain open for cancer care and support. We’d love others to join Alice and sign up for our next challenge, taking place in March. https://www.facebook.com/groups/merseyside300 .”