Radcliffe Mum Loses 10.5 Stone to Run Great Manchester Half Marathon for Friend's Daughter Battling Cancer

Jenny Toole from Radcliffe has shed ten and a half stone to run the Great Manchester Half Marathon on May 26, raising funds for her friend’s seven-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Grundy, who has fought two types of cancer.

Jenny’s Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

Jenny Toole, 32, a full-time carer for her son Kristian Ince, 7, began her weight loss journey in December 2022 when she weighed 21 stone and was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia. Determined to improve her health for herself and her son, she made significant lifestyle changes.

“I realized I needed to lose weight once and for all,” Jenny said. “I didn’t follow a specific diet plan but cut out a lot of things, ate a high-protein diet, and closely monitored calories, carbs, and fats.”

In April 2023, Jenny started running and joined a gym, where she found tremendous support from her personal trainer. She first signed up for the Bury 10K to stay motivated and to help her friend’s daughter, Elizabeth. Jenny has since become an avid runner, completing eight more 10K races with a personal best of 51 minutes.

“This will be my tenth race but my first half marathon, and I’m delighted to be supporting Elizabeth again,” she added.

Elizabeth’s Battle with Cancer

Elizabeth Grundy, 7, from Wythenshawe, is one of only four children worldwide diagnosed with both neuroblastoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma at just ten days old, Elizabeth underwent extensive treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell harvesting, and seven operations before she was 18 months old. She also faced meningitis, sepsis, and was left deaf in both ears.

In May 2022, Elizabeth developed a limp and was diagnosed with leukemia. Now a wheelchair user and largely tube-fed, Elizabeth is in the maintenance phase of her illness, and her family hopes she will be given the all-clear by the end of this year.

Despite the challenges, Elizabeth remains a vibrant child who loves swimming, drawing, and being outside. Her family is raising funds to allow her to participate in a trial that could help prevent a relapse, as neuroblastoma has an 80% chance of recurrence and ALL a 10-15% chance.

Fundraising Efforts and Support

The family is supported by Tree of Hope, a children’s charity that assists families in fundraising for healthcare needs not covered by the NHS. Becky Andrew, Tree of Hope CEO, said, “We are delighted to support the Carter family with their fundraising and wish Jenny the best of luck with the Great Manchester Run.”

How to Donate

To support Elizabeth’s fund, visit Tree of Hope - Elizabeth Grundy.

For more information, images, or to arrange interviews, please contact Catherine Cooper at +33 5 61 69 57 89, +33 6 09 03 55 88, or mail@catherinecooper.net.