Teen’s 100-mile run for sick children

A TEENAGER has set herself a running challenge to raise vital funds to help children living with cancer.

Lauren Bond, from Ballymoney, Co Antrim, is running 100 miles during the month of August and all money raised will be donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

So far, she’s raised £750 after setting just a £50 target.

Speaking to the Mirror, the 13-year-old said over lockdown she has become more aware of other people’s difficulties in life.

She said: “I decided to choose Teenage Cancer Trust as during lockdown I got an insight of what kids my age with cancer go through every day.

“We talk about our new normal, but normal is probably a fantasy for kids with cancer and they have to cope with that on top of the current situation.

“I love being a teenager, I’ve only been one for a year and I’ve already had so much fun and so many experiences and I believe every teenager deserves that.

“Teenage Cancer Trust work hard to ensure their patients are teenagers first and cancer patients second.

“They work hard to improve the chances of survival for these children and improve their quality of life. The support I’ve had during this has been unreal, however seeing what these kids go through everyday shows how they truly are the real heroes and everyone who donates is a hero, too.”

Lauren, who is in the Air Cadets, was set for Scotland after winning the Regional Cross Country Event with them, but lockdown has but this final on hold.

Lauren’s mum Sinead spoke of how proud she is of her daughter.

She said: “I know she’s my daughter, but she is a very sensitive and loving child.

“Teenage Cancer Trust have a Facebook page and they put up stories of their patients on it, and Lauren has been really moved by them over lockdown.

“She actually ran through Storm Ellen, too. We are so proud.”