A first-time marathon runner is preparing to take on the challenge in memory of her mum and in celebration of her best friend.
Abi Stevens, 28, from Silsden, will take on the TCS London Marathon in support of Sue Ryder, the charity that cared for her mum Julie at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice before she died last September.
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Abi said: “Running the London Marathon is my way of remembering my mum and celebrating my best friend’s strength.
“My Mum was someone I looked up to and admired.
“Even when I didn’t live at home anymore, we still spoke every single day.
“I used to call her at the same time every day just to catch up and talk about my day.
“She helped me with absolutely everything.
“No matter what it was – a problem, a decision, or even something small and silly – I would always go to her.”
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Abi and her friend Olivia at her first fundraising event for Sue Ryder in 2024 (Image: Supplied)
Julie was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in May 2024 and spent her final two weeks at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice after a period of treatment.
Abi said: “The care at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice was unbelievable.
“They did everything they could to make her as comfortable as possible.
“She loved Kenco coffee and they made it exactly how she liked it.
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“There was even an ice-cream van one day, free ice cream for everyone.
“It sounds small, but those things meant so much.”
Abi taking on Zip the Cow for Sue Ryder (Image: Supplied)
Abi admitted that the experience motivated her decision to run the marathon and raise money.
She said: “I thought if I can give back to Sue Ryder and help other families going through the same thing, then I will.
“They made mum so comfortable, and they supported us too.
“It just feels right to do something for them.
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“I’m a get-up-and-go person, I want to do something positive and make a difference and help them support other families.”
She is also running in celebration of her best friend Megan, who received the all-clear after being diagnosed with stage four cancer in July 2024.
Abi said: “It makes the marathon more emotional, but it also makes me more determined.
“You’ve always got that in the back of your mind, if they can go through all of that, I can get through this.”
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Despite being a spin instructor, Abi said she is “not a runner,” and has found the training tough.
She admitted: “The long runs have been hard, especially in the rain, and when you’re doing 20 miles on your own you do think, why am I doing this?
“But then you remember exactly why you’re doing it.
“I know it will all pay off in the end.”
Abi Stevens out on a training run (Image: Supplied)
You can support Abi’s fundraising HERE.
Want to join #TeamSueRyder in the TCS London Marathon 2027? Register your interest today: https://www.sueryder.org/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/events/tcs-london-marathon-2027/
