A NEW year is always a good time to challenge yourself and that’s exactly what a Reading woman has done.
Nicola Tallet, the acting CEO and head of fundraising and supporter engagement for Prostate Cancer UK, has put her best foot forward to raise funds for the charity.
She has taken part in its virtual running challenge, Run The Month: Marathon Edition.
Those taking part had to run a total of 26.2 miles across the 31 days of the first month of the year, raising money for the men’s health charity and to raise awareness of the disease, the most common cancer in men.
And Nicola has raised more than £700 so far.
She says that this cash will fund research into treatments for prostate cancer and provide practical support to men and their families affected by the disease.
And despite the pandemic, Nicola is part of a team that has raised £9 million through virtual events since January last year.
These have included running, cycling and walking challenges. Run the Month launched last October, and more than 30,000 runners have run more than 500,000 miles, raising £4.5 million … so far. ‘
Nicola, 52, is one of 11,400 runners taking part in this January’s challenge.
She said: “I’ve never really taken running seriously, but at the start of 2022 it was time to lace up my trainers again and do something great for such a brilliant charity.
“I’m really enjoying it.”
She added: “There are so many amazing and inspiring people taking on this challenge, all with their own reasons to run, and I’m hugely proud to be part of that wonderful community, all raising money to help fund lifesaving research and support for men and their families affected by prostate cancer.
“The success of this challenge shows how families, friends and communities can work together, locally and across the UK to help save lives. We thank everyone who is taking part in Run the Month: Marathon Edition – and all of our fundraisers – for their support.”
Nicola has been joined in the challenge by reality television star Elliott Wright, who is running in memory of his late father Eddie.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to taking on Run the Month: Marathon Edition in January for a brilliant charity, Prostate Cancer UK. It’s the perfect time for a challenge too – all for such a brilliant cause.
“I know all too well about the dangers of prostate cancer, as it hit my family. For those who don’t know prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, affects one in eight men.
“Sadly, one of those affected was my dad Eddie, who was diagnosed in 2013. By that stage, the cancer had spread outside the prostate and the news was devastating for me and the family.”
He continued: “My dad was a great family man, a strong man; always upbeat and happy. Despite being dealt such a tough hand he fought the disease with all he could, never moaning or complaining. We were naturally devastated when he passed away in March after bravely fighting covid.
“I’ve been thinking of him when I pull on my Prostate Cancer UK running top, and I’m delighted the rest of my family have been kitted out as well.”
To sponsor Nicola, visit https://runthemonthme.prostatecanceruk.org/fundraising/nicola-talletts-run-the-month-marathon-editio
