71-year-old Grandmother prepares for 25th Great Manchester Run as daughter undergoes cancer treatment

Barbara, who turns 72 in June, has completed 24 consecutive Great Manchester Runs since the event began more than two decades ago.

What started as a challenge with a friend has become a long standing family tradition. This year’s run carries special significance as her daughter Dawn undergoes treatment for stage four breast cancer at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

Barbara will be joined by her grandson Tom, 16, granddaughters Beth, 20, and Danielle, 30, along with other family members.

The former Manchester City matchday steward said she never expected the annual event to become so personal.

“I’ve done every single Great Manchester Run since it started. It's a habit now. I always think oh I’ll just do it again. But this year, I’m doing it for my daughter.”

Speaking about Dawn’s illness, Barbara said the diagnosis had a profound impact on the family.

“She’s in pain, she’s struggling, but she’s so proud of us and we are so proud of her. We all start together, and my daughter sends us off with a video of her blowing kisses. I’ve got her picture on the back of my shirt. People see it and it gets really emotional.”

Barbara said running together as a family gives them strength during a difficult time.

“My grandchildren say I’ll be too slow. There's going to be over 10 of us running together this year, and when we all get to the end together, it will be just the most wonderful feeling.”

She described learning of Dawn’s diagnosis as “very, very traumatic”.

“I was out shopping and missed four calls from Dawn. When I finally spoke to her, my knees just buckled. I don’t remember much after that, I even left my bank card in the card machine at the time. But I’m in awe of her. It’s incurable, but she's a fighter and we are all so proud of her.”

Barbara said the care Dawn has received at The Christie has given the family hope.

“We’ve never looked back. Everybody at The Christie, from top to bottom, is amazing. Nothing is ever too much bother for them. The research they’re doing is phenomenal. Dawn is on an experimental drug that’s working and we are so grateful that things like this exist.”

Alicia Gaffey, mass participation events officer at The Christie Charity, said Barbara’s story reflected the spirit of the Great Manchester Run.

“Barbara’s story is incredibly moving and really captures what events like the Great Manchester Run are all about. People come together not just to take part, but to support loved ones and make a difference for others going through cancer.”

She added that the charity was grateful for the family’s support, saying every mile run helps fund research, treatment and care for cancer patients.

Barbara said her daughter’s determination continues to inspire the family.

“Dawn says, ‘I won’t live with cancer, cancer will live with me.’ Her strength keeps me going. I truly believe that one day we will find a cure.”

Looking back on more than two decades of taking part in the event, Barbara said each medal now carries deeper meaning.

“I lay them all out on my bed and think, wow, have I really done this. Of course, I’m sad because of my daughter, but I’m so proud because we’re all doing something for someone we love.”

She also recalled one memorable race moment that kept her motivated.

“One year I nearly got beaten by 12 men dressed as a caterpillar. I thought, I’m not being beaten by a caterpillar, so that kept me going.”

The Christie Charity supports enhanced services, research, education and patient support at The Christie hospital beyond NHS funding.