By Leicester Mercury | Posted: 10 January, 2014
A woman who set up a charitable foundation in memory of her mother is to tackle 10 fund-raising events this year for LOROS, starting with a 26-mile cycle ride around Rutland Water.
For Becky Hill the effort is remarkable as she has a heart problem and the auto-immune neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis.
Becky, 31, who lives in Aylestone with husband Steve, is an operations manager for a claims management company.
She said exercising with the conditions in preparation was an achievement in itself.
Her mum, Debra Ruth Merrall, died a few days before Christmas 2012, three months after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Becky said: "Mum was only 48 and so her life was cut short far too early. She fought as much as she could. However, the cancer was just too aggressive.
"She was offered immense support by LOROS. They treated my mum like a person rather than a patient.
"She told the staff she fancied a piece of Shropshire blue cheese, very specific. Within 15 minutes, they had been to the shops, bought the cheese and returned with a platter of Shropshire blue, crackers and grapes. It was the first time I had seen her smile in a while."
Setting up the DRM Foundation – using mother's initials – fulfills a promise Becky made to her.
"I have set myself a £7,500 target," said Becky.
Others events in Becky's line-up include:
February 15: 10km Avalanche Run, including Catch the Yeti.
March 15: 5km Shakespeare Run.
April 13: Desford Triathlon, including a 400m swim, 18km cycle ride and 5km run.
May 31: Leicester to Skegness cycle ride.
June 29: Nucleus Half-Marathon.
July 23: Three Peaks Challenge.
August 29: Swimathon equivalent to crossing the English Channel.
September 20: Equinox 10km, around the Belvoir estate.
October: Leicester Marathon.
Becky said: "If anyone wants to join me at any of the events and help raise money, they are more than welcome.
"I would also like to hear from anyone who could donate a prize for a raffle which will be held at a black-tie charity dinner to finish the year."
Becky can be contacted on 0776 327 7551.
More about the foundation, can be found on the website:
