Elishia Clements, Christie fundraiser

Elishia Clements's father was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer (linitis plastica) in 2019. Unfortunately, the prognosis was that the cancer was quite advanced, meaning he only had a few months to live.

Having experienced the thoughtful care and cutting edge treatment The Christie gave to her father, Elishia decided she wanted to run the Manchester Marathon to raise funds in his memory. 

"At 53 years of age in January 2019, my dad was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer, linitis plastica. On 4 February 2019, we were told it was terminal with a 2 to 4 month prognosis. No symptoms and no warning signs until 3 to 4 weeks before the diagnosis, but by then the cancer was too far advanced.

"Although the prognosis was bleak, care was different at The Christie. Gold standard in my view. The staff were so compassionate, so understanding and incredibly supportive. They went the extra mile and even till the very end they never gave up.

"Because of The Christie, my dad defied his odds. He went on to live for a further 3 to 5 months more than the prognosis. Although this is nothing in comparison to the years we thought we would have with dad, the Christie made sure that during his final months he was comfortable and able to have some quality of life."

So far, Elishia has raised an amazing £880 ahead of the marathon in April for the gastro intestinal research fund, which carries out chemotherapy clinical trials whilst also carrying out research into other early stage treatments of GI cancers. 

"The challenge of running 26.2 miles is nothing in comparison to the daily mental and physical challenges someone living with a terminal cancer has to endure. 

"I will forever be in debt to The Christie, and today, running my first marathon, is a small gesture to say thank you to the amazing people who work at this incredible hospital.

"The Christie will always have a special place in my heart."

If you’d like to join Elishia at the Manchester Marathon 2020, we have a limited number of free charity places remaining.