A NORTH WEST woman who lost her mum to breast cancer is taking on 12 challenges in 12 months to raise money for Cancer Research UK. 

Janey Leonard-Myers, 28, of Didsbury began her mammoth series of challenges in January and has so far completed an Australian Island Run, climbing the height of the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa, the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, the Greater Manchester Swim, a 100km bike ride, a three-hour health boot camp and – most recently – The London Triathlon. 

Janey has five more gruelling events lined up for the remainder of the challenge, including the Manchester Half Marathon, a yoga and meditation challenge, and the ‘Coast to Coast’ race which will see her run, cycle and kayak over 100 miles across the Scottish Highlands.

The Senior Account Manager of Manchester-based creative agency ‘The Behaviours Agency’, decided to embark on the challenge in honour of her mum who sadly passed away to breast cancer when Janey was just ten years old.

Janey said: “I lost my mum to breast cancer when I was ten, it was devastating not to have her growing up, but I think it’s even harder not having her around now that I am older. There is nothing I would love more than to go for a glass of wine and have a chat with her, which makes me realise it really is the little things in life you need to cherish. 

 “I am now exactly half way through the challenge and I have genuinely enjoyed each one. The support of my friends and family through donations, cards of support or having them join me on the challenge has been the most wonderful and moving experience. 

“Together, we have pushed ourselves out of our comfort zone, supported each other and raised money together to beat cancer. The challenges have been tough but it’s so motivating to know that the money I raise will be helping Cancer Research UK to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

Janey is hoping to raise around £5,000 for life-saving research to help more men, women and children in Manchester and across the UK survive the disease. Local people can sponsor her fundraising efforts at https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/twelve-challenges-janey.

More information about Janey’s year long challeng can be found at her website: https://janeytwelve.wixsite.com/twelve.

Rob Davies, Cancer Research UK’s local fundraising manager for Manchester, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Janey has decided to attempt such an incredible challenge to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

“She has put so much planning and preparation into the challenge and deserves huge credit. Taking on one challenge is impressive in itself, so to take on 12 in a year is truly inspiring and we can’t thank Janey enough for her support and dedication for the charity. We want to wish her the very best for the final 6 challenges, we are all behind you!

“Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund our research.”

For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1022 or visit cruk.org.