Inspirational Wortley woman runs 245 miles for Candlelighters children cancer charity inspired by Sir Captain Tom

Stacy Proctor, 46 of Wortley, ran 245 miles in a month in an effort to raise funds to support Candlelighters, the Leeds-based children’s cancer charity.

Stacy, a member of Bramley Breezers running club - had originally only planned to encourage those in the area to walk or run in order to get involved with the Captain Tom 100 challenge. However, when interest

flared she decided to push on further setting herself the challenge of 202 miles in a month which she then achieved - and improved upon.

Stacy said, ‘My Candlelighters Captain Tom 100 Challenge started off by aiming to get 100 people to walk one mile to raise awareness for Candlelighters.

"This was exceeded by 143 people walking their mile. I also aimed to run 202 miles in 29 days.

"In week one I started running and achieved 60 miles, then in week two, a further 60 miles. So, thinking out of the box and to boost the fundraising, I then set myself a massive challenge to run a further 120 miles in the following two weeks.

"I did it, running a total of 245 miles. With the support of my amazing, family, friends and my Bramley Breezer Family - these amazing people have raised over £1,600.”

With family, friends and the community as a whole rallying around Stacy, awareness of Candlelighters and children’s cancer charities has grown in the area.

Stacy said: “That’s what it's all about for me, raising the profile of Candlelighters. I had people come up to me and ask about the charity and that was so important to

me.

"I couldn’t have done it without everyone, they helped make this happen. It was overwhelming and an emotional final few miles when I could see everyone at the

finish line”.

Stacy called her fundraising “the most incredible journey ever” and said that because of the success she has had she is now looking to lace up her running shoes again.

“Because it’s gone so well I’m looking to do the Leeds Half Marathon and then the York Marathon, both for Candlelighters, and hopefully next year we might look into doing the Three Peaks Challenge."

Head of Fundraising at Candlelighters Tom Robertshaw said: "Stacy has shown a massive amount of determination in finishing this challenge and we're so grateful for her amazing support which will help our crucial work to support children and families across Yorkshire when they most need it.

"After the past year, families facing childhood cancer have needed our support more than ever, and supporters like Stacy mean we can be there for them. We're hopeful that more people may be inspired by Stacy to take on a challenge themselves, especially with the easing of restrictions which have made fundraising so hard over this past year.'

A year of more charity running beckons, and for a cause like this it looks likely the community will remain supportive to Stacy.

If you want to donate to Stacy follow this link. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StacyProcter1