Two Islanders Take On Marathons For Charity

Friday, 6 October 2023 13:46

Two islanders are travelling to London to take on separate challenges, all for the same cause.

Bex Harris is running the Camino Ultra Marathon tomorrow (7 Oct) to raise money for the Jersey Brain Tumour Charity.

She was diagnosed with a tumour in 2019 and says running has been a big part of her recovery.

"It gives me so much head space and it's time away from any distraction.

People can't call you and message you. It's just you you're out there and it gives you that time away to think about looking after yourself and doing something that makes you feel good."

Her friend Ryan O'Shea, is also travelling to the capital to take on the London Royal Half Marathon.

He used to be an avid cyclist, even taking part in the Island Games in 2013, but when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year he was told he couldn't compete anymore.

"Since my brain tumour, I can't race anymore and I needed something to fill the gap in sport and that is running now."

Ryan's tumour hasn't been able to be operated on yet, which has made training hard.

"I did the Island Walk this year, but I was quite ill afterwards which messed up my training for the half marathon.

I expected to take a week out, but that ended up being a month. But, I'd like to think I'm in quite a good place now with my training."

Bex, who was operated on quickly after being diagnosed, has been training with a local group.

"I have support from Rock and Roads, they have group runs every weekend which makes training so much easier.

You're not on your own because you're training with other people and there are a lot of athletes that are training for marathons and ultra-marathons."