Horsham mum takes on three-legged run with husband to mark 11 years in remisssion from cancer

Gina and Simon Leadbeatter raised more that £2,500 for CLIC Sargent in the fundraiser held on Sunday, April 26, as part of the 2.6 Challenge after the marathons they had been training for were called off.

Gina said: “We both felt pretty down that our London and Brighton marathons had been postponed due to the Covid-19 situation.

“All that training for 12 weeks and long 18 mile training runs just stopped.

“Then a friend who we know through the charity we support, CLIC Sargent, suggested the 2.6 challenge

“He made us realise the charities supported through all these cancelled events still needed our help. That we could still do something.

“It made us feel that we were still doing something positive on marathon day – having a laugh and raising money.”

The couple started the challenge from their home in Blackbridge Lane and went up Riverside Walk and around the fields there while their daughters , Gracie and Lois, followed on bikes.

It took them 47 minutes to complete as opposed to the 16 minutes not three-legged.

Gina said: “I think we have just about recovered from the 2.6 challenge! We’ve ran loads of races, half marathons, marathons and 10ks, and the three-legged 2.6 miles was definitely up there with the hardest.

“I’ve discovered I really struggle to do two things at once – running three-legged and talking with a mask on!”

Gina, who works at East Mews Dental Care Horsham and Ken Halls practice Pulborough, was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called Immature Granulosa Cell in 2008 aged 25 when her eldest daughter, Gracie, was just eight-months-old.

She received surgery and chemotherapy in Charing Cross Hospital in London, which she still attends annually.

Despite this, Gina and husband Simon went on to have their second daughter, Lois, after being told their chances of having more children would be limited.

She said: “Running the London Marathon in 2018 was one of the toughest but proudest experiences of my life - But this will never compare to cancer and cancer treatment.

“Being 25-years-old and a new mum to a eight-month-old baby, cancer wasn’t something we anticipated.

“After surgery and chemotherapy we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to still be here raising funds and awareness.I run for those who can’t, and to celebrate 11 years in remission from ovarian cancer.

“We are ever grateful for all your support and sponsorship we have received over the years.”

To donate to Gina and Simon’s fundraiser, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gina-leadbeatter4

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