Lindfield’s Loti Jackson has completed her aim of running 300 miles in a year to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Loti passed the 300 mile mark as she crossed the finish line of Cancer Research’s Race for Life in Brighton last month to cheers from family, friends and fellow fundraisers.
For Loti it’s been a hard, emotional and inspiring journey. In 2012, aged 27 and just days before Christmas, Loti was diagnosed with an aggressive malignant melanoma on her cheek. Following two operations to completely remove it, she was given the all clear the following year.
“Loti was aware that the reason the hospital know how to treat her cancer was due to continuing research funded by the charity Cancer Research,” said her mum Hilary. “Previous Cancer Research fundraisers had saved Loti’s life and she couldn’t thank them enough.”
“No one expects to hear these words and nothing can prepare you for it,” said Loti. ”But thanks to Cancer Research I am still here and doing my bit to give others the chance to beat cancer.”
Last year, on Loti’s 30th birthday, a milestone she had wondered if she would get to see, she set herself a goal to thank previous cancer research fundraisers and contribute to the charity’s life-saving work. “I came up with the crazy idea of running 300 miles in a year to raise as much money as possible for the charity,” said Loti.
“I wasn’t a runner so it definitely wasn’t going to be easy for me!” However, Loti has sprinted past her original target of £850 and raised more than £1,500.
“I am speechless at how generous people have been to help me smash my target,” said Loti.
“In my head I really wanted to hit £1k and I’ve done even better! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone. You have helped the fight against cancer because one day it WILL be beaten.”
To read more about Loti and donate to Cancer Research visit: www.justgiving.com/lotis300miles