Daughter’s marathon pledge for battling mum

AN ORMSKIRK woman will run the London Marathon for her terminally ill mum – despite never having run before.

Rosanna Tootle, 24, has been inspired to take on the challenge after seeing her mum fight with her terminal illness.

Pauline Tootle, 56, Rosanna’s mother, was sadly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February this year.

Speaking of the diagnosis, Rosanna said: “The consultants informed us the cancer was at stage 4 and my mum was given a six-month prognosis.

“The cancer is inoperable, as it’s wrapped around the main artery.’’

Rosanna explained: “We’re currently helping my mum through chemotherapy and the treatment is helping to keep the cancer under control, it is hopeful she will get to a year and possibly beyond.”

Whilst they have been coming to terms with the illness, the family have been given support by Macmillan Cancer Charity.

Consequently, Rosanna is hoping to raise at least £2,500 for the charity by completing the marathon, to thank them for the support they have provided.

Rosanna, who attended Ormskirk school, added: “It’s a daily struggle that is made all the more bearable by the compassion and kindness of the Macmillan nurses.

“They’re always there for my mum – be it in person or on the other end of the phone.

“It’s a truly valuable service and a service that deserves all the help and support possible.”

Pauline, who was formerly a support worker for Lancashire County Council, agreed, adding: “I am so proud of Rosanna giving something back to Macmillan, they really are amazing.

“They are always on hand to support me if I need help, or if something is worrying me.”

Rosanna said she was excited to take part in the marathon, but added: “I am literally going from 0 to 26 miles, which is a massive challenge for me as I’ve never ran before.

“I see my mum suffer. I see her in pain, exhausted, drained and being forced to her limits, and I see her refuse to give up.

“I see my mum pushing on for me and my family no matter how tired or broken she might feel, so I feel like the least I can do is push myself with this challenge.

“Since her diagnosis my mum always says she refuses to die, well I will refuse to give up and I’m going to cross the finish line.”

Additionally, November is pancreatic cancer awareness month, and Rosanna hopes that sharing her story now will help to raise awareness of the illness.

She said: “I had never even heard of this type of cancer before it affected our lives, so awareness needs to be raised.”

The London Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 22, 2018.

If you would like to find out more, follow her journey, or sponsor Rosanna for the marathon, visit the website www.justgiving.com/fundraising/milesformum2018.