A heartfelt thank you to Stacey for choosing to fundraise for us and for running the Manchester Marathon in loving memory of her mum. Your support means so much to our work and the people we help.

Stacey’s Story

“When I decided to take on the challenge of running the Manchester Marathon, it really was a case of going from couch to marathon. It was without doubt one of the hardest things I have ever done — training every week through snow, rain, and all kinds of conditions. There were many moments when I wanted to give up, but I kept reminding myself that what I was doing was nothing compared to the challenges faced by people battling cancer every single day.

I chose to run in honour of my mum, Yvonne Bates, who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2015. After a short but incredibly brave battle, she sadly passed away in August 2017 at the age of 57.
My mum was the most positive person I have ever known. She was definitely a “half cup full” kind of lady and would often say, “What will be, will be.” No matter what cancer threw at her, she faced it with courage, strength, and a smile on her face. Even towards the end of her illness, she was still more concerned about whether we were okay than herself.

When I took on the marathon, I knew I wanted to raise money for the OPA charity in my mum’s honour. I chose OPA because of the amazing support they provide to people suffering with oesophageal and gastric cancers, as well as the vital research they help fund. The charity’s purple butterfly also held special meaning for me, as purple was my mum’s favourite colour.

Completing the marathon was an incredibly emotional and proud moment. I honestly don’t think I could have done it without channelling my mum’s positivity and strength throughout the journey. I am so pleased to have raised £750 for such an important cause and hope that, in some small way, it will help support others facing this devastating disease.” – Stacey Carter