Victoria Coles is running the Virgin Money London Marathon next month to raise vital funds for Wessex Cancer Trust, a charity close to her heart having gone through her own devastating cancer diagnosis and battle over the last 18 months.
Tori was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 26 and is currently still undergoing treatment. She has shown incredible strength and determination to continue with her award-winning business, WightFIT, whilst undergoing gruelling chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgeries and endocrine treatments.
Having run a 10k race in the middle of her chemotherapy sessions last year, the majority of her colleagues and friends thought she was a bit crazy and have nicknamed her WonderWoman. However, more recently she has completed 3 half marathons in just 3 weeks and the London Marathon on 23rd April will be her first full distance marathon. She plans to go on to complete several other races throughout the year too.
Tori has said:
”I was stubborn during treatment, wanting to just continue with everything! Since the diagnosis and losing two good friends from cancer recently, it’s become even more apparent in my life that I’m lucky and life is for living.
“Although my body is still struggling and completely exhausted from the past year and a bit and the treatments I’m continuing to have, if cancer didn’t stop me then there’s no way these 26.2 miles are going to halt me either! All we have is this moment, be grateful for that”.
In memory of the 2 friends she lost to cancer back in February, Tori will be proudly wearing their names on the back of her running vest for the London Marathon.
Wessex Cancer Trust has supported Tori in her travel to and from Southampton General Hospital and Princess Anne Hospital during her treatment and surgery.
Tori added:
”Wessex Cancer Trust provided all my transport and support for my 5 weeks worth of daily radiotherapy in Southampton. They also supported my loved ones on their visits to me whilst I was an inpatient and following surgery. They’re a brilliant local charity, that need vital funds, and this is my way of saying thank you!”.
Fellow Islanders are being invited to support Tori on her fundraising efforts by visiting www.virginmoneygiving.com/torispinkribbon.
