Inspirational DJ Adele goes the extra mile in marathon challenge
RADIO 1 DJ Adele Roberts from Southport is running the London Marathon this year.
Adele, who bravely shared her battle against cancer last year, will be raising money for the Attitude Magazine Foundation, which supports LGBTQ+ causes ranging from children’s hospices to those living with HIV.
The 26.2 mile race will be a tough challenge for Adele, who underwent surgery for bowel cancer just a year and a half ago.
The radio presenter and DJ, who grew up in Southport, was diagnosed with cancer at the start of October 2021 and soon underwent an operation to remove a tumour, but was determined to remain positive.
The former Big Brother star said at the time: “So far the outlook is positive and I feel so lucky I can be treated. It’s just the start of my journey but I’m going to give it everything.”
She used her huge following to share her journey fighting cancer, saying: “I’m hoping it’ll reach anyone who might benefit from seeing it or reading it.”
Never one to rest very long, she is now busy training for the 2023 London Marathon!
Adele said: “I cannot actually believe I am saying this but…
“I am absolutely delighted to be running the TCS London Marathon this year.
“WOW!!! One of the most, if not THE MOST, iconic marathons in the world.
“And I am HONOURED to be representing a team who have not only helped and supported me through one of the toughest times in my life but inspired me and given me the opportunity to run in this year’s race.
“I’ll proudly be representing Nissan UK who are committed to championing diversity and inclusivity – as part of their #PossibilitiesProject – and are pushing each day to make this world a better place. Love you guys!
“I’ll also be raising money for the fabulous Attitude Magazine Foundation who support LGBTQ+ causes ranging from children’s hospices to those living with HIV.
“Darren Styles you are a hero. “It’s a BIG ask for my body.
“It’s less than 18 months since I had surgery to remove bowel cancer.
“At the start of the year I had no idea this could be a possibility – the week I got my place I got COVID.
“So I’ll only have 12 weeks to train… and on top of this I’ll have to carry Audrey round the course with me.
“Audrey is the name I’ve given to my ileostomy (stoma), an opening on my stomach where my small intestine has been brought to the outside of my body while it heals. This means I currently have no use of my large colon.
“Turns out colons are quite handy for hydration and food and running marathons haha.
“What could possibly go wrong? One thing I know though is that the body can achieve what the mind believes and I can promise I will give this my ALL.
“For every ostomate, the LGBTQ+ community and every single person dealing with cancer… this is for YOU.
“And run, walk or crawl, I will cross that finish line.
“Let’s do this.”
In June last year Adele was celebrating being cancer free as she proclaimed “today is a gift”! She added: “Hearing the words ‘you’re free of cancer’ was the most beautiful sound I think I’ve ever heard.
“Everything through seems we’ve to be been swirling around in my body and life feels a bit surreal at the moment. But I am so grateful! I am counting my blessings.
“I am in awe of anyone dealing with cancer. The courage, the strength, the determination… and at times, the humour you have shown has been nothing short of super human.”
In October last year, Adele praised local children who featured her on their World Reimagined globe during a celebration of Black History Month.
The star travelled all the way from London to make a special visit to The Atkinson in Southport to take a look at the stunning artwork, which was created by pupils at Christ The King High School working in partnership with Southport Against Racism and Discrimination.
Other icons represented on the globe include Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, Mo Salah and Chantelle Lunt.