An 11-year-old girl who ran in the cold every day in January in memory of a family friend who died from sarcoma cancer has raised more than £12,000 for Sarcoma UK.
Mia Shore, from Yeovil in Somerset, started the running challenge with a target of £100 but, as of today (1 February), the amount stood at more than £12,000. Accompanied by family and friends, Mia ran every day as part of RED (Run Every Day) January in tribute to Lolly Gilmour, who died last year from an uncommon cancer called sarcoma. Earlier in the month, Mia’s fund received a huge boost when a mystery donor gave £5,000.
Yesterday, at the end of her final run surrounded by family and friends, Mia handed over a large cheque to Sarcoma UK’s Sam Hackett, who works for the charity’s Support Line. Also present was Mia’s mother, Serena, and the rest of her family, as well as Lolly’s husband, Dan.
Sam, a sarcoma specialist nurse who supported Lolly on the Sarcoma UK Support Line, said: “It was amazing to meet Mia, with her wonderful family and friends, to thank her on behalf of Sarcoma UK for her fantastic efforts. Without fundraisers like Mia, we couldn’t support people with sarcoma and their families on our Support Line. Our work also includes funding vital research that is striving for better, kinder treatments and for a cure from this devastating disease. Importantly, Mia has raised awareness of sarcoma – we know that earlier diagnosis of sarcoma will save lives.”
Mia said: “I really love running, and I wanted to raise money, so I thought if I put them together, I could do something. Some days were really hard, and my legs were sore, but I am so proud of myself for doing it.”
Mia’s mother, Serena Shore, said: “There were days when her knees were hurting, but she’s been marvellous. She’s 11 years old, and she has had that commitment to keep going, and we are all super proud of her.”
Lolly’s husband, Dan Gilmour, said: “Sarcoma UK’s helpline was a lifeline for Lolly. She constantly spoke to them when she was feeling down or wanted advice. They were amazing. Lolly was a runner, but she had part of her femur removed because of sarcoma, which stopped her running. She would be so proud of what Mia has been doing.”
Lolly Gilmore died last November, aged 42. She was diagnosed in May 2020 with parosteal osteosarcoma. She became a great friend and supporter of Sarcoma UK and appeared on Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer telethon in November, shortly before she died.
