A local fundraiser who pledged to run almost 100 miles throughout July in memory of her mum has completed her charity challenge – and raised over £7,000 in the process.
Daisy Daly laced up her trainers to run 3.119 miles – approximately five kilometres – every day last month to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey.
She selected the distance to raise awareness of and represent the 3,119 people in the UK who will lose their lives to melanoma this year – a disease Daisy’s mother Nicola fought for six years.
I will turn the sadness into something to remember and be proud of
Daisy daly
The 27-year-old began her challenge on 1 July, exactly five years since her mother passed away from malignant melanoma.
“It got to the five-year point, which was quite a milestone,” said Daisy. “I thought, ‘maybe this year I will turn the sadness into something to remember and be proud of’.”
She also saw it as an opportunity to bring attention to the form of cancer her mother battled.
“Melanoma is the most preventable form of skin cancer,” she explained. “There are little things you can do that can make a big impact and could end up saving your life.”
Daisy shared that she found the first day of the challenge “tough” because of the significance of the date.
“It was quite emotional because I knew that if my mum could, she’d be there cheering me on, running with me, shouting the loudest and screaming it from the rooftops,” she added.
The challenge was also a way to honour her mother, which Daisy said kept her motivated through each run.
“My mum didn’t give up for six years,” she said.
“She took her cancer treatment in her stride and just got on with it with no complaints.
“She got up and fought with everything she had, so the least I could do was go out and do the same.”
It was so tough, but I wouldn’t have fought for it if it wasn’t for the people I had around me
Daisy Daly
Reflecting on the past month, Daisy shared her highlights – which included the first and last runs due to the support she received.
“During the first one, I remember running around the cycle track and past the car park, and I saw my sister-in-law, sister, boyfriend and other family members,” she explained.
“They must have looked crazy, because all they were doing was cheering me on doing a 5k, but I heard them clapping and shouting – it was just really touching.”
A group of Daisy’s friends and family also joined her to complete the final run of the challenge last week, a moment she described as “incredible”.
“It was that feeling of knowing that I’d done it, having my friends running with me, and my family and friends waiting for me at the end,” she said.
“They’ve been on this journey with me – it was so tough, but I wouldn’t have fought for it if it wasn’t for the people I had around me.
“I won’t forget it for the rest of my life. It was unbelievable.”
Her efforts garnered thousands of pounds in donations to Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey.
The charity’s community, engagement and fundraising lead Andrew Gardham said: “As a local charity, Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey receives no funding from Macmillan UK or the Government of Jersey, so individual fundraisers like Daisy truly make a powerful difference.”
He confirmed that the funds raised from Daisy’s challenge will go towards the charity’s free emotional, practical and wellbeing support services for anyone in Jersey who is affected by cancer.
“Not only has Daisy raised vital funds, but she’s also raised awareness in an incredibly personal and moving way,” he added.
“Her strength, openness and unwavering spirit have inspired so many across our community, and we’re truly grateful for everything she’s done for Macmillan Jersey.”
Daisy added that the fundraising challenge was also a way to “give back” the charity on behalf of her mother.
“My mum took part in a lot of fundraisers for different cancer charities, and I don’t know if she ever did get the chance to properly thank Macmillan for how much they supported her,” she added.
“I don’t think we should wait to use the services before we give them the donations they deserve.
“We shouldn’t have to wait until we need their services to give back.”
DONATE…
Daisy’s fundraising page will remain open until Friday 8 August – click here to make a donation.