Three generations of a Keswick family completed an emotional 5k Race for Life challenge through St John’s-in-the-Vale, near Keswick, helping to raise around £3,000 for cancer charities.
Barbara Lightowler, aged 69, is fighting breast cancer for the second time and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment, but was determined to complete the walk with her daughters Sarah Renton and Helen White and five grandchildren.
For each of the five kilometres, she was accompanied by one of her grandchildren — Thomas, aged 13, Charlie, aged 11, 10-year-old Zoey, Phoebe, aged seven, and Joseph, who celebrated his seventh birthday on the day of the walk.
Barbara said: “It was a really special day for all of us and it was lovely to catch up with each of my grandchildren and find out what was going on in their lives.
“The COVID-19 epidemic has meant I have been isolating since March as I was warned by the oncologist I must not contract it. But the family made an exception for the walk as it was outside, and the weather couldn’t have been better on the day.”
She was spurred on by family friend Clare Horsburgh, who chalked messages of encouragement on the road all the way along the route and celebrated with Barbara and her family at the end of the walk with tea and scones.
Barbara added: “It was so emotional when we finished and really sad, as I couldn’t give everyone a hug.”
Sarah and Helen had set themselves their own challenge, running 5k each day during September, which they completed on Wednesday, with the final leg finishing in Keswick’s Fitz Park at 6pm with Barbara there to cheer them home with a bottle of prosecco.
Barbara spoke of her pride in her daughters’ achievements.
“The girls have been inspirational, going out each day whatever the weather,” she said.
“Both have busy lives working full-time and looking after their families. Sometimes they had to go out early morning and often in the dark at night but they were determined.”
The daily runs by Sarah and Helen have raised £2,720, but they hope to boost this to £3,000 now they have finished.
Helen, who is a receptionist at The Spa at Underscar, near Keswick, said: “The weather has been really kind to us with only three very wet days, but it has certainly been tiring.”
Sarah, a teacher at St Herbert’s School, added: “This is all for mum, who has remained so strong facing her treatment. We were joined on our 5k daily runs by lots of friends which really spurred us on.
“We would like to thank all family and friends for supporting us and to everybody who has donated.”
Barbara was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and was treated successfully.
However, the cancer returned this year and spread, and she is now undergoing further chemotherapy, which she expects to remain on for the rest of her life.