Last week, two dedicated colleagues from Fisher German achieved remarkable feats in support of cancer charities. Stephanie Ross, a Senior Planner in our Worcester office, completed the Brighton Marathon while Laura Knight, a Partner in our infrastructure consultancy team and Marketing Manager for LSBUD, completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon.
Stephanie’s motivation was deeply personal: "I ran not only to challenge myself but also for Macmillan Cancer Support. Cancer has had a direct impact on several members of my family. Most recently, we lost my cousin after a 7-year battle with the disease. During her diagnosis, she completed over 100 park runs and achieved a 5km personal best after her first round of chemo, a true inspiration."
Her journey to the marathon was a testament to her determination and resilience. "Whilst training for the marathon, I proved to myself I can do anything I set my mind to, having only started running 18 months ago. The last 6 miles were very tough, and it was a scorching day. It came down to one foot in front of the other, pushing through and knowing the pride I would have when I crossed that finish line."
Despite the experience, Steph reflects on the possibility of future marathons with a mix of humour and determination: "During and straight after finishing, I said I will never do this again but I think give me a few months and I may come round to the idea of another one in the future."
So far she has raised £790 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Stephanie’s fundraising efforts can be supported through her JustGiving page.
Laura inspiration came from a poignant moment last July: "One of my close friends from my netball family let us all know that she had found a lump during a match. After getting it checked the very next day, she was diagnosed with Grade 3 invasive breast cancer. This news hit even harder as it was just 2 months until her wedding day. I just wanted to help in some way, so I went on the hunt for a charity challenge.
"When I was a little girl, my mum had breast cancer. I didn’t really understand the magnitude of that news back then. However, I do now, and as a mum of a little girl of my own, I feel that I have a responsibility to make sure that raising awareness of your own body is a vital part of growing up. Apart from anything else, it could just save your life! Choosing CoppaFeel seemed like the perfect fit - a smaller charity but with some incredible work being done for raising breast cancer awareness, especially in the younger generations."
Laura's friend Lindsay successfully finished her treatment and rang the bell last month, marking a significant milestone in her recovery. "Lindsay played netball throughout her treatment, which is incredibly inspiring.
"I gained an enormous sense of pride in myself but I also confirmed I am just as stubborn as I thought I was, and that after bouts of illness, juggling work, and the life of a parent, I can do anything I put my mind to. During the event, the huge support from random strangers and volunteer cheer groups really does make a difference and cements in your heart that the human nature to ‘be kind’ prevails. I have also gained very sore knees, and having turned 40 this year, I feel I have a longer than expected recovery ahead!"
When asked if she would take on another challenge, Laura laughed: "Right now, the answer is no! But I said that I wouldn’t be signing up for anything crazy after completing the National 3 Peaks Challenge with FG back in May last year, so who knows?"
So far she has raised £910 for CoppaFeel, Laura’s fundraising efforts can be supported through her JustGiving page.
