Ruth to take on epic 135-mile run in memory of aunt

14 Aug 2023

Ruth Williams, from the Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, aims to run from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to the Churchill Cancer Hospital in Oxford

Ruth will run in memory of her aunt, Margaret Simpson, who died in April 2022 following a fight against mucosal melanoma, a rare but aggressive disease, unfortunately usually diagnosed in advanced stages. Ruth is raising funds for Melanoma UK who support those affected by this type of cancer.

At the time of Margaret's diagnosis in 2015, her local hospital could only offer palliative care. Ruth was working in Oxford at the time, and found a team who were able to provide specialist expertise and care, giving Margaret an extra 7 years with her family.

Ruth's epic run will start at the NNUH on Friday, 18 August - two days after Margaret would have celebrated her 75th birthday.

Ruth said: "I previously joked with Margaret that we've all travelled Norwich to Oxford so many times that one day that I should run it, so I am.

"I've done several marathons and ultra marathons - but I decided to up the ante in a bid to raise as much money as possible for a charity very close to the heart of our family."

• If you'd like to make a donation to support Ruth's run, you can visit her Melanoma UK fundraising page.