An A-Level student is set to take on her first marathon in a bid to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Evie Musgrave, 18, from Clitheroe, is aiming to raise more than £4,000 for the charity when she tackles the London Marathon this Sunday (April 23).
Evie, who is currently studying four A-Levels at Clitheroe Royal Grammar Sixth Form, has already smashed her initial £3,000 target – currently standing at £3,781 – thanks to significant support from Clitheroe Cricket Club and David Ainsworth, from local Premier convenience stores.
The teenager started running during lockdown, but decided to raise funds for people living with cancer during hospital visits to see her grandmother, Elaine, who was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma in 2021 – she is now doing well and is cancer-free.
Evie said: “I know the impact cancer can have on someone’s life, as my grandma was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma, and had her life changed in a lot of aspects.
"It was not only a physical challenge, but also a mental challenge for her and our whole family.
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“So, when I saw Macmillan posters on her hospital ward, offering the vital support people need when they receive a cancer diagnosis and treatment when they need it most, I knew I wanted to help in some way.
“I have always been one to ask questions and have asked why this illness affects as many people as it does, which is a huge reason why I chose to run the London Marathon for Macmillan.”
Since signing up for the 26.2-mile race, Evie has been busy training, hitting the streets several times a week and covering three, six, and up to 20 miles at a time.
She said: “Training has been difficult but now I’m as ready as I can be and looking forward to it.
"However, we know lots of people who have had help from Macmillan, which is keeping me motivated.
“By running this marathon, I know I’ll make a difference to a family’s life. I’ll definitely carry on running and, depending on how I feel afterwards, I might consider another fundraising run in the future!”
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On the day Evie will be cheered on by her family and friends when she takes on the iconic race, which she hopes to finish in under four hours.
Louise Osgood, Macmillan’s relationship fundraising manager for Lancashire, said: “All funds raised by London Marathon runners for Macmillan help us to continue to support people living with cancer physically, financially and emotionally.
“On behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Evie who has chosen to run for Macmillan this year.
"Her fundraising will help us continue doing whatever it takes for people living with cancer.”
Anyone wishing to support Evie and donate to Macmillan can visit her fundraising page by clicking here.
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