A 71-year-old grandmother who has taken part in every Great Manchester Run since it began in 2002 is preparing to get running once again, this time alongside her grandchildren in support of her daughter receiving cancer treatment at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester.
Barbara Leonard, who turns 72 in June, has completed an awe-inspiring 24 runs since 2002. What began as a challenge with a friend has become an annual tradition, and now, a deeply personal mission.
This year, Barbara from Oldham will be joined by her grandson Tom 16, and granddaughters Beth 20, and Danielle 30, as well as other family members, running together for The Christie Charity which supports the work of The Christie hospital, where her daughter Dawn is currently being treated for stage 4 breast cancer.
Barbara a former matchday steward at Manchester City Football Club said: “I’ve done every single Great Manchester Run since it started. It's a habit now. I always think oh I’ll just do it again. But this year, I’m doing it for my daughter.”
Dawn’s diagnosis has transformed what the run means to Barbara and her family. She says: “She’s in pain, she’s struggling, but she’s so proud of us and we are so proud of her. We all start together, and my daughter sends us off with a video of her blowing kisses. I’ve got her picture on the back of my shirt. People see it and it gets really emotional.”
“My grandchildren say I’ll be too slow! There's going to be over 10 of us running together this year, and when we all get to the end together, it will be just the most wonderful feeling”.
Barbara describes the moment she learned of Dawn’s diagnosis as 'very, very traumatic'. “I was out shopping and missed 4 calls from Dawn. When I finally spoke to her, my knees just buckled. I don’t remember much after that, I even left my bank card in the card machine at the time. But I’m in awe of her. It’s incurable, but she's a fighter and we are all so proud of her.”
Since being referred to The Christie, Barbara says the family has found comfort and hope in the care Dawn has received.
“We’ve never looked back. Everybody at The Christie, from top to bottom, is amazing. Nothing is ever too much bother for them. The research they’re doing is phenomenal. Dawn is on an experimental drug that’s working and we are so grateful that things like this exist. I've grown up around The Christie hospital, but I never imagined one of my children would need treatment there. They’ve been incredible.”
Alicia Gaffey, mass participation events officer at The Christie Charity, said: “Barbara’s story is incredibly moving and really captures what events like the Great Manchester Run are all about. People come together not just to take part, but to support loved ones and make a difference for others going through cancer.
"To run year after year is incredible, but to now be running for her daughter makes this even more special.
"We are so grateful to Barbara and her family for their support of The Christie Charity. Every mile they run helps us to fund vital research, treatment and care for patients at The Christie hospital.”
Barbara says her faith and her daughter’s resilience keep her going through the most difficult moments. She says: “Dawn says, ‘I won’t live with cancer, cancer will live with me.’ Her strength keeps me going. I truly believe that one day we will find a cure.”
Over more than 2 decades of running, Barbara has collected a medal for every race, each one representing determination, pride, and now, something even deeper.
“I lay them all out on my bed and think, wow, have I really done this? Of course, I’m sad because of my daughter, but I’m so proud because we’re all doing something for someone we love.”
Recalling her favourite memories, Barbara points to the atmosphere of the event, and one unexpected moment.
“The crowds, the buzz, it’s just incredible. One year I nearly got beaten by 12 men dressed as a caterpillar. I thought, I’m not being beaten by a caterpillar, so that kept me going!”
As she prepares to take on the course once again, Barbara hopes her story will inspire others to get involved and support patients and families facing cancer.
To support the work of The Christie Charity, please go to Donate today or ring 0161 446 3988.
The Christie Charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. This includes money for care and treatment, research, education, and extra patient services. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to cancer patients and their families.