Phoebe Le Breton will start run the London Half Marathon next month, then she will take on the daunting 100km Lake District Ultra Challenge in June, before finally attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro at the end of August.
Miss Breton, who is studying mechanical engineering at the University of Nottingham, was inspired to take on the challenges after her mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in August.
‘This has been an incredibly challenging time for our family and as someone with autism, I found it especially difficult to process at first,’ she said.
‘Training for these events has given me a positive focus and a way to turn something painful into something purposeful. My mum courageously undergoes harsh and invasive treatments and I wanted to do something more than just watch. I wanted to turn helplessness into action.’
She has chosen to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support, Dig Deep and Breast Cancer Now. ‘These charities are very close to my heart. They provide vital support for individuals and families and complete lifesaving research. Through this fundraising, I hope to help them continue supporting people in tough situations when they need it most.’
She is pursuing these goals having only recently taken up running. ‘I decided to start after my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer because I wanted to turn a really difficult moment into something hopeful.
‘Every step feels like proof of what people can do when they’re supported by a community and a purpose bigger than themselves. It’s has been a huge learning curve, but it’s shown me how much we are capable.’
Phoebe has been following a structured training plan with speed work each week and longer distance runs to gradually build endurance: ‘I’ve also added swimming as cross-training to support recovery and reduce injury risk. Alongside the physical training, I’ve been focusing on consistency and mindset. Learning to keep going, even on the days that feel tough, is so important.
‘I have also started altitude preparation for my Kilimanjaro climb. What keeps me going is knowing that each training session represents hope and support for families going through cancer right now. That sense of people coming together is what gives me confidence to take on something this big.’
Her final challenge on the slopes of Kilimanjaro will be alongside an experienced expedition team who will provide professional guidance and safety support.
‘At home I’ve been surrounded by encouragement from family, friends and people supporting the fundraiser,’ she said.
‘What’s stayed with me most isn’t the distance or the mountains ahead, it’s the way people have come together. It shows how hope can ripple through a community when people choose to stand beside each other.’
Her original plan was to raise £1,000, but she surpassed this soon after opening her fundraising page.
‘I have increased the goal to £2,000 so we can raise even more to support families who are going through the harsh reality of cancer. The care and support these charities are giving my family is so empowering. Knowing this challenge can help support the work they do makes every mile feel even more meaningful.’
To find out more and donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/phoebe-le-breton
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