Wednesday, 14 September 2011

• Prev

Now Says

Victoria Kennedy, Deputy Editor

Sponsor us! Now goes the extra mile for Cancer Research UK

Why Team Now’s running across London

Team Now will run 13.1 miles across London to raise money for Cancer Research UK

Something's changed in the Now office.

Alongside the usual whirlwind of designer dresses, latest lippies and celeb stories, there are sports bras hanging in the fashion cupboard and worn-out trainers underneath desks.

No, we haven't been watching The Only Way Is Essex's new workout DVD!

A 15-strong team of Now staff is busy training for the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon on 9 October, when we'll run 13.1 miles across London on behalf of Cancer Research UK.

We hope you'll become an honorary member of Team Now by making a donation.

This is why I'm taking part in this event...

A pal once whispered after meeting my mum-in-law Susan: 'God, you're so lucky.'

She's right. Warm, generous and always laughing, her family adore her.

It was just a few months after our wedding last year that she found out she had bowel cancer.

It felt like a cruel twist. Her husband had died of the same disease.

During it all - the op and chemo - she handled herself with the kind of dignity I know I'd never have.

The least I can do is puff my way round a park.

Sponsor us!

You can donate online at justgiving.com/Now-Mag or text NOWM48 along with how much you'd like to donate to 70070. This donation will be charged to your phone bill (or deducted from your pay-as-you-go credit).

Here, some of our runners explain why they too have chosen to give their support.

Sally Eyden, Editor

‘My mum Wendy's always been there for me - now I want to return the favour.

'Last year she found out she had breast cancer.

'Although
chemo sapped her strength, she showed unbelievable courage and was more
concerned about those around her than herself.

'Just as always.

'Thankfully her treatment's now over.

'I daren't imagine a world where Mum isn't in it, so I'm running to ensure the fight against cancer can continue.'

Sam Dowler, Party Animal

‘My life's been touched by cancer many times - my grandad, who I never met, died of lung cancer.

'Both my mum and my oldest friend have had skin cancer and although they've had the all clear, it was a scary time.

'Cancer's something that no one is safe from.

'I'm honoured to be running for such a good cause.'

Andy Cowles, Editorial Director

‘I'm running for my friend Helly.

'Her mum died of breast cancer last year.

'And since then, Helly, who's only 42, discovered her own chance of getting it is 86 per cent.

'Faced with those odds, last week she had an elective double mastectomy and hysterectomy.

'Her bravery through all this, along with her husband Gerald's, has been nothing short of incredible.'

Louis Boroditsky, Editorial Assistant

‘My cousin Kara has been battling breast cancer for three years.

'During this time, she's given birth to her first child, her beautiful son Milo.

'Even if I run nonstop to the finish line with all my heart, I know I'll only have shown a fraction of the unbelievable strength she's demonstrated.

'I love and admire her so much and hope she gets well soon. This is for her.'

Katherine Taylor, Features Editor

‘I'm doing it for my mum.

'She battled breast cancer in 2000 and endured a mastectomy and reconstruction.

'She was incredibly courageous and has been in remission for 11 years - although she still has regular check-ups.

'After five years of having to take anti-cancer drugs, she took her last pill with a glass of bubbly.

'That sums Mum up - she lives life to the full.

'I'm incredibly proud to run for her.'

Jade Sprowson, Junior Stylist

‘I'm doing this for anyone and everyone who's ever been affected by cancer.

'It's a disease that affects so many people, so I'm hoping I can raise as much money as possible.

'It'll be a huge personal goal for me to complete the race, too.

'I'm proud to be running as part of the fantastic Now crew.

'Eek, 13 miles - we can do it!'

Mira Kozlowska, Style Assistant

‘I'm running for my two dads, who are battling serious health issues right now.

'My father-in-law is undergoing treatment for his second bout of prostate cancer.

'There's nothing like seeing your parents get sick to remind you of the fragility of life and how lucky we are to have our loved ones around.

'That's all the motivation I need!'

Carol Hendry, Deputy Picture Editor

‘I'm not running for anyone in particular, but it's a great chance to support all the work Cancer Research UK has done over the years.

'Everyone
knows someone who's had cancer or had to support the family or friends
who've been affected by it, so it's with them in mind that I'm doing
those morning runs - well, staggers - in training.'

Lucretia Munro, Deputy News Editor

‘Luckily I don't have any loved ones who've battled cancer, but it's a cause that's beyond important.

'Although many people I know think I'm too lazy to complete the run, I
can't wait to cross the finish line, say "I told you so" and donate all
my sponsorship money.

'It'll be well worth it!'