Bryony’s Big Yorkshire Challenge

I’m running the Yorkshire Marathon this year in support of two charities that have become very important to me this year.

Friends of ANCHOR has been chosen in support of a good friend and neighbour who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She is one of the brightest, most positive people I know and has approached everything with remarkable strength, humour and determination. The support provided by ANCHOR to patients and families across the north-east of Scotland is invaluable, and I wanted to do something to give back to a charity that helps so many people through difficult times.


More recently, my family received news that completely turned our world upside down. An unexpected bone cancer diagnosis has had a huge impact on all of us and brought into sharp focus just how important the work of Bone Cancer Research Trust really is. Watching someone so full of life, laughter and positivity face such an unexpected challenge has been both heartbreaking and inspiring in equal measure. Their resilience and attitude remind us every day why hope, support and research matter so much. Supporting Bone Cancer Research Trust feels like a small way of helping to fund vital research and support for other families navigating similar circumstances.


Although I run regularly and can often be found plodding around local roads and parkruns, it has been four years since I last tackled a marathon. My Achilles tendons are already complaining, my feet are blistering already, my sports massage therapist has gained job security for the foreseeable future and I’ve collected a colourful assortment of training bruises. Despite all that, I am determined to get myself back to marathon fitness and make it to the start line in York this October. The training will be tough, there will almost certainly be a lot of moaning and complaining along the way, but compared to what others are facing, a few sore bits seem a very small price to pay.


All funds raised will be split equally between the two charities. Any support, whether through a donation or simply sharing my fundraiser, would be hugely appreciated.