Breast Cancer Marathon Fundraiser
911. Jackie Scully
Jackie Scully, from London, discovered she had breast cancer just three weeks after getting engaged.
The diagnosis inspired a remarkable fundraising journey for ‘Breast Cancer Care’ and ‘The Willow Foundation’ which saw her get married while running the marathon and give over a large chunk of her honeymoon to trekking the Great Wall of China. Jackie completed her first long-distance race in 2014 despite undertaking chemotherapy. Jackie and her husband Duncan became the first couple ever to get married and both run the London Marathon on the same day, joined by other members of the congregation. This, coupled with her honeymoon Great Wall of China trek, raised nearly £30,000 which she divided between her two chosen charities.
This year Jackie is aiming to run 2018 miles throughout the year to encourage other people to exercise regardless of ability.
In a personal letter to Jackie, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“You have shown tremendous resilience in deciding to fundraise for ‘Breast Cancer Care’ and ‘The Willow Foundation’ whilst having chemotherapy and undertaking recovery treatment. Your decision to run the London Marathon on your wedding day to promote these charities is a truly unique achievement and I wish you and Duncan every happiness.”
Jackie said:
“I am incredibly overwhelmed and humbled to have been given a Points of Light award. I will always remember the moment, not long after I was diagnosed with cancer, when I vowed not to count the days but to make every day count and to pay forward all the kindness I had received. When you’re volunteering and fundraising you have everything to smile about. And, just knowing that your actions can make a difference to even a few people is the best feeling there is. Giving back reminds us we all have the power to change lives and give people the strength to face another day. I am so grateful for that fact.”
Samia al Qadhi, Chief Executive of ‘Breast Cancer Care’, said:
“It is wonderful that Jackie has received this well-deserved recognition from Prime Minister Theresa May. We are extremely grateful to Jackie for everything she does to support ‘Breast Cancer Care’ and we would like to wish her many congratulations on this tremendous achievement.
“The money Jackie has raised is helping us to provide care, support and information to help people to find a way to live with, through and beyond breast cancer.
“It’s vital that ‘Breast Cancer Care’s services remain free; they’re a lifeline to thousands of people affected by breast cancer. With support from fabulous fundraisers like Jackie, we can be there for more people whenever they need us.”
Watch Jackie’s response to receiving her award:
See more about ‘Breast Cancer Care’ and ‘The Willow Foundation’