Supporters of mum-of-four from Lees help raise over £6k for two charities

Having never considered herself much of a runner, it was a real achievement for Liz O'Donnell, from Lees, when she completed the Oldham Hilly Half Marathon back in October 2018.

Just six weeks later, the 46-year-old was diagnosed with biliary duct cancer – a rare and aggressive form of the disease.

Mum-of-four Liz, who has worked at Holy Cross College in Bury as a Learning Support Manager since 2004, has continued running until recently, after undergoing extensive surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy.

In support of Liz, her colleague and friend, Bec Hyndman, Head of RE at Holy Cross College, launched the ‘Leg it 4 Liz’ campaign back in November last year, which has seen amazing uptake from Liz’s colleagues, friends and family who have chosen to run, walk, cycle or even swim 5k as a sign of moral support and love at what is a difficult time for Liz and her family.

Bec, who has worked with Liz for over 15 years, running the College charity group and charity events alongside her, said: “When Liz became poorly, so many of her friends and family wanted to do something for her. Over 72 people have taken part in sponsored walks, runs, cycles and even swims, a lot of her colleagues, friends and family, even children, and over 260 people have donated.

"Those who have taken part have found it incredibly inspiring and have shared stories of Liz whilst completing the challenge, something which Liz herself has been overwhelmed by and which has been a huge form of moral support for her at this difficult time. Despite being poorly, Liz herself was inspired by her own supporters and managed to get out and complete her very own walk." 

Since November and despite current restrictions, Liz’s loyal supporters have raised over £6,000 which will be going to two charities close to Liz’s heart. They are 5K Your Way: Move Against Cancer and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, which is Liz’s local hospice, whose outreach team are currently supporting her.

Two of Liz’s loyal supporters running 5km for ‘Leg it 4 Liz’ – Kathryn Tye and Karen Pickering

Liz decided to donate her funds to the hospice's ‘Furnish with Love – Give the Gift of Comfort’ appeal, which is focused on raising the essential funds needed to furnish Dr Kershaw’s new in-patient family lounge in its soon-to-be opened In-Patient Unit, providing a home from home for patients to spend time in with their loved ones.

Bec added: “Liz has been passionate about raising funds for something physical at the Hospice that would mean something to future patients and their families and so Dr Kershaw’s ‘Furnish with Love’ Appeal was perfect, as our funds will help to provide tangible items that will give comfort to so many.”

The incredible efforts of the ‘Leg it 4 Liz’ team, who have generously raised £5,160 towards the appeal, has meant that the hospice is one step closer to its goal in providing a comfortable, homely environment for patients and their loved ones.

Liz has been overwhelmed by the support she’s received.

She said: “Thank you to everybody for all your support and kind words. In these challenging times, where we are not allowed to gather together, it's these individual acts of generosity and solidarity that demonstrate how powerful community really is. We might be apart but we can still work together.”

Joanne Sloan, Chief Executive Officer at Dr Kershaw’s, commented: “Thank you to Liz for inspiring so many of her wonderful family and friends to ‘Leg it 4 Liz.’ Together you’ve raised a phenomenal amount of money for our new in-patient family lounge, which will bring comfort and joy to people for many years to come.”

There is still some time left to support the hospice's 'Furnish with Love' appeal before the new In-Patient Unit opens, by taking part in fundraising activities or making a donation to help raise the vital funds needed to furnish its new in-patient family lounge to ensure it's as comfortable as possible for patients. 

To find out more about how to take part in fundraising to support the appeal, people can call the hospice's Fundraising Team on 0161 624 9984. Or, to make a donation towards the purchase of these much needed furnishings, visit www.drkh.org.uk/support-us/furnishwithlove or call the aforementioned number. 

Main image:

Liz competing in a race prior to her illness with her daughter, Catherine.