In September 2022, Liz Muir completed the Berlin Marathon for Against Breast Cancer having raised an amazing £3,300. Liz chose to fundraise for the charity because of the many friends and family members diagnosed with breast cancer over the years.
On the 20th October 2023, Liz herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. To say it was a shock was an understatement. Liz needed a goal to get through the treatment and has therefore decided to run the Amsterdam Marathon on the 20th October 2024, the one-year anniversary of her diagnosis.
Liz will be training through treatment and will also have to get faster than she was in Berlin to allow for the even stricter cut-off time in Amsterdam. Running has never come particularly naturally to Liz but coming back from adversity is nothing new for her.
In 1993, at just 19 years old, Liz spent a year in hospital and was diagnosed with a rare form of haemophilia that brought about 16 pulmonary embolisms and numerous internal bleeds. She nearly lost her leg after a riding accident in 2012, has hypothyroidism (which affects muscle strength) and osteoporosis (making broken bones more likely), meaning she is no stranger to the hospital!
Liz said “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to run for Against Breast Cancer again. This means so much as the Marathon will be on the first anniversary of my diagnosis.”
Liz will be taking on the 26.2-mile challenge with her dear friend, Raich, who has her own significant challenges. Raich suffers from systemic sclerosis, a rare auto-immune disease for which there is no cure. This affects her in numerous different ways and has many physical symptoms as well as extreme fatigue.
“My mum supported me when I first started running to deal with health issues I had as a child,” Raich said, “now it is time for me to support others.”
Liz and Raich aim to raise as much money as possible before doing the marathon. They are also trying to run 1000 miles before October 2024, participating in other challenges and events; starting with the Penguin Challenge which will involve Raich open water swimming twice a month from November to March!
You can show your support for Liz and Raich by visiting their fundraising page here.