Lots of people go out for a Sunday stroll but for a Beverley mum-of-two, this weekend will see her facing a run of over 32 miles as she takes on her first ultra-marathon.
Deborah Jepson, of Beckside, will set out on Hornsea seafront on Sunday, September 1, before heading along the TransPennine Trail to Hull, and back, in aid of The Candlelighters Trust. Deborah, who is mum to Harrison, four, and Scarlett, two, already has over £1,400 pledged on a JustGiving page she set up to support the Candlelighters as a thank you for helping her “incredible” little cousin, Aalia.
Introducing her cause, Deborah said: “Some of you may already be aware of the tough news our family received last year. Our incredible four-year-old cousin, Aalia, was diagnosed with Wilms Tumours.
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“Since then, she has bravely undergone intense chemotherapy, had one kidney removed, and a quarter of the other one. Currently, she's in and out of the hospital in Leeds, which is about a two-hour journey from her home.
“Dealing with this heartbreaking news, managing the commute, and caring for her two-year-old sister has been incredibly challenging for our family. Thankfully, the charity Candlelighters has been a pillar of support, offering both financial and emotional assistance during this time.
“I've decided to take on a huge challenge to give back. On September 1st, I'll be participating in an ultra-marathon, the toughest physical challenge I've ever done.
“I'm reaching out to you all for support in raising funds for Candlelighters, ensuring that families like ours continue to receive the crucial support they need. Please consider showing your support; your contribution will make a world of difference.”
Hull-born Deborah, who is married to Mike, said her husband planned to pop up in “random places” along her route to give support, and she expected her mum, her aunt and children to be cheering her on near to the end of the challenge. She said: “The run is 50k, or 32-and-a-bit miles, I don’t really want to think about the ‘and a bit!’
“I did a marathon, about seven years ago, at a time when my lifestyle was very different. I was in the Navy and had a lot of time to train.
“It’s very different now with two children aged two and four, and commuting to Sheffield for work. It’s finding the time to train but I am lucky as my work do something called ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’, which is two hours’ dedicated time to do what you want for your mental health.
“I go for a long run. You can take the two hours whenever you want so I can work it into a Friday afternoon, as my work finishes, and be out for four hours.”
Deborah said: “At other times I’ll fit in training when I can; lunch hours, before the kids wake up. I always think that no matter what pain I am going through, it’s nothing compared to what Aalia is going through.”
Deborah said Aalia, who lives in Woodmansey, was “doing okay” after constantly being in and out of hospital for chemotherapy. The youngster was due to start school in September but because of the impact of the treatment on her immune system, she may need to be home-schooled for a while.
“It has been a lot for the family. The Candlelighters have been absolutely marvellous.”
Deborah’s ultra-marathon kicks off at 9am on Sunday as part of a series of runs taking place under the “It’s Grim Up North Running” banner. “There will be people doing different distances; there won’t be so many of us doing the ultra-marathon.
“I don’t know what’s next for me. I will probably aim for raising some more money, maybe with a 50-miler.”
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