A Dales postwoman has raised almost £2,000 for charity with the support of the community on her daily post round.
Tracy Bowe, 47, from Middleham, is running the Great North Run on Sunday, September 11 for Macmillan Cancer Support because of the help the charity has given her brother Paul.
Paul, aged 44, was diagnosed with incurable brain tumours in 2021.
Tracy said: “When my brother was diagnosed with incurable cancer last year, I felt like the rug was pulled from under me, overnight our whole world turned upside down.
“I know that Paul’s time is limited but I refuse to let cancer ruin the time I have left with my brother; I don’t treat him any differently.
“My sister Leanne and I will be running together, we wanted to do something for Paul so he can see what he means to us, I want him there on the finish line in South Shields waiting with a bottle of wine.”
Paul, who lives in Darlington, was given six to 12 months to live after his diagnosis last year.
He was supported by a Macmillan nurse who helped him apply for PIP and access benefits to make him more comfortable.
Tracy is running with her sister Leanne, who is also a postwoman in Leicester.
They have both thrown themselves into training as well as fundraising, Tracy said.
“I’ve never done anything like this before, but I wanted to give something back to the Macmillan oncology nurses who have supported Paul from the beginning, it’s made a big difference.
“As a postie I know I’m fit because I walk up to 10 miles per day, but running is different and I needed support, so I joined a local running club Team Caterpillar, it was the best thing I could’ve done, I’ve built up my confidence and stamina, I’m so grateful for their support.
“I want to give myself the best chance and complete it to the best of my ability, I’m doing this for my brother.”
Tracy has raised over £1,700 and has set herself a target of £2,000.
She has been overwhelmed by the support of the communities on her delivery route, including customers around the villages of Harmby, Spennithorne and East Witton who have pinned posters and generously donated to the cause.
She said: “The support of the communities around me has been so heart-warming, I’ve raised more than I ever could’ve imagined.
“I know times are tough for everyone at the moment, the generosity of people has amazed me, I want to say a big thank you to my supporters.
“We all know people affected by cancer, it’s motivated me to know that the money is going straight to Macmillan and helping people like Paul.”
Tracy also has 18 giant gnomes on display in her front garden, two dressed up in support of her fundraising for Macmillan, people have been taking selfies for a small donation to the cause – the gnomes have helped Tracy raise over £100 towards the total.
If you would like to support Tracy’s fundraising visit her Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tracy-bowe
