Three friends have united to complete an incredible charity challenge in Stockport — with a Cheadle mum running more than two marathons in 24 hours.
Bexy Belton, 38, kicked off her herculean effort on Saturday, June 26 — her birthday — and ran loops of a 2.4KM course on Cheadle Green, all in aid of charity Target Ovarian Cancer.
After going for 24 hours, she finally crossed the finish line on Sunday lunchtime, having raised more than £3,000.
“I am a bit tired!”, she told the Manchester Evening News shortly after completing the challenge.
“It was just a relief [to finish]. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I’ve done four or five ultra marathons but you are just racing — the quicker you go, the quicker it’s done. This time, it’s just 24 hours.”
Bexy chose Target Ovarian Cancer after her close friend, Johannah Aynsley, was diagnosed with the disease three years ago.
Johannah, born in Oldham, ran alongside Bexy for spells over video call from her home in Witney, Oxfordshire.
She said she was ‘not surprised’ to see Bexy cross the line.
“I’m not surprised that she completed it. I was surprised when she suggested it, but not surprised she completed it,” Johannah said.
“She’s as stubborn as an old mule!
“They say home is where the heart is. My heart is right there.
“I have seen her face at the end of the 24 hours of running — I’ve seen that face before, after 24 hours of clubbing! It’s fantastic.”
The event was supported by another friend of Johannah, Daisy Dixon.
Daisy said that seeing Bexy stick to her tough task was inspirational.
“You saw her do it and having that focus and understanding through desperate times — it gives you that focal point. I think it’s such an achievement,”the 41-year-old said.
“She has done ultramarathons before, but she said this was 10 times harder. It is the stamina to keep going through the night that’s difficult.
“I have done a few laps and I am shattered!”
The three friends said that Johannah’s journey through cancer treatment has brought them closer together.
“I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 38 years old, in 2018, at stage 4 which is called the silent killer — as the symptoms are similar to IBS,” Johannah said.
“Ovarian Cancer used to be known as an old lady cancer but more and more younger people are getting diagnosed — but doctors do not expect to see it at that age.
“It has hardly any money raised for it. It needs a lot of exposure and money raising.”
Bexy added: “I cannot express how hard it’s been these last few years. It is for us as friends to get the message out, that’s what’s bonding us. It has been a massive shock to us all. People are dying every day from this disease.
“I just wanted to raise awareness and some money — and I wanted to do something really ridiculous and make Johannah laugh as we have got such a great friendship.
“So I just thought bugger it, I’ll create my own race.”
Common symptoms of ovarian cancer can include persistent bloating, feeling full quickly or a sudden loss of appetite, pelvic or abdominal pain, and needing to urinate more urgently or more often than usual.
For those with concerns on ovarian cancer, Johannah is urging you to come forward and discuss treatment and diagnosis with the NHS.
She said: “A consultant said to me once that it is our job to represent and heal ourselves. You have got to be proactive to push people and go out of your comfort zone. Ask for a scan and a CA125 marker test. Ask them as it’s your right to get those.
“No one will be upset with you for looking after yourself.”
You can support the charity here
