Shropshire Star

Telford nurse to run London Marathon in memory of father

A nurse at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital is to run the 2020 London Marathon in memory of her father, who died after a battle with brain cancer.

Published
Abbie Bailey-Smith

Abbie Bailey-Smith, who works as a staff nurse in endoscopy at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital, will take on the race in April next year to raise funds for Brain Research in memory of her father, Stuart Bailey.

Abbie, aged 25, said: “I’m running my first marathon for Brain Research in memory of my dad. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in June last year.

“We had a really difficult and testing 10 months and my dad was brave and an inspiration through it all. Given my dad’s diagnosis, my partner and I decided that we were going to get married.

“So in less than six weeks we had booked and planned our wedding. Thankfully my dad was there to follow me down the aisle in his wheelchair.

“Devastatingly, we lost my dad five days after our wedding.

"So I’ve decided to set myself this challenge to give me something to focus on and to try to help others.

Grateful

"My family and I are so grateful for the care and treatment my dad received, and I know he was grateful too.”

Training for the April 26 marathon is already in progress and Abbie has been running 5Ks and recently completed the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon.

She is aiming to raise £5,500 for Brain Research – and has already held a fun day to help her reach her target.

“My colleagues have been absolutely fantastic and they are really supporting me to try and help me reach my target,” said Abbie.

“The fun day held in Madeley was a success and raised far more than I expected, which is fantastic.”

Abbie is now planning a cake sale in November followed by a Christmas hamper raffle.

To help Abbie reach her fundraising target in memory of Stuart, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AbbieBaileySmith

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