A Birmingham web designer has quit smoking and learned to swim so she can compete in a gruelling obstacle course to raise money for cancer prevention.
Man Yee Lee signed up to complete the ‘Wolf Run’ – a 10km course that forces participants to run through woodland, mud pits, rivers and bogs while clambering over obstacles such as fallen trees. The 35-year-old, from New Market Street, has taken up the mammoth challenge in Warwickshire to raise money for World Cancer Research Fund, after the disease affected a number of her friends.
Man said she picked World Cancer Research Fund because of the charity’s research into the links between diet, nutrition, physical activity and cancer. After learning about the charity she quit smoking, started training six days a week and learned to swim in just ten weeks so that she could complete the challenge, which is held at the end of April. She said: “I needed a lifestyle change. I had started smoking again and I was pretty unhealthy, so WCRF’s message about lifestyle and cancer really appealed to me.
“I learned to swim on a ten-week course and went from barely being able to run for one minute to running for 20 minutes. I used to really panic when I tried swimming but I had no choice but to learn as the course involves crossing an 80 metre river! Knowing that so many people have sponsored me meant I had to overcome my fear of swimming. I had missed out on so many things – like swimming in the sea in Thailand – because I couldn’t swim. So it feels wonderful to have learned how to do it.
Man said that seeing friends’ relatives die from cancer, she was determined to do something to help prevent the disease. She added: “Seeing so many people suffer from cancer and witnessing the pain it causes them and their families was really horrible. I wanted to help make a difference and, when a friend at a gym I attend suggested the Wolf Run, I realised it was perfect opportunity to get fit and help cancer prevention research. I feel so much better for changing my lifestyle. I feel fitter and stronger and it’s great that I’m raising money for WCRF at the same time.”
Paul Fretwell, Head of Fundraising at World Cancer Research Fund, said: “We are hugely grateful to Man for her support and so pleased that she has embraced WCRF’s healthy living recommendations. The Wolf Run i s an excellent way of raising vital funds for cancer prevention and promoting awareness about the links between cancer and lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity.”
Scientists say about a third of cancers could be prevented if people were to maintain a healthy body weight, eat a healthy diet and be physically active.
To support Man and World Cancer Research Fund, visit her fundraising page. For more information on cancer prevention or to sign up for one of World Cancer Research Fund’s fundraising events visit www.wcrf-uk.org or call 0207 343 4200.