Great North Run 2023: Kirsten's Story

Kirsten is taking part in the Great North Run in September 2023, her story is below:

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

My name is Kirsten, I am 38 years old and work as the Head of Finance for a Housing Association based in Midlothian. My partner, Stan, and I recently welcomed our little boy Finn in January of this year. Along with our cat, Frankie, we enjoy living in East Lothian as it allows us to enjoy our hobbies which include cycling and running, when weather permits!

Can you tell me how you first got involved with Make 2nds Count?

I first heard about Make 2nds Count through my friend Stefanie McGall who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in March 2020 just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. While battling this awful disease, Stef took it upon herself to raise funds for Make 2nds Count and in September 2020, while undergoing chemo, she set herself the challenge of walking 10,000 steps a day for that month. Along with her family and friends, she raised an amazing amount of money. Unfortunately, due to treatment side effects, Stef was unable to repeat this in September 2021 so her friends and family took on the challenge on her behalf raising even more crucial funds. Sadly, Stef passed away of secondary breast cancer in January 2022 leaving behind her 4 year old daughter Evie and husband Allan.

Can you tell me more about why you chose to fundraise for us?

I want to build on all that Stef, her friends and family have already done for this great cause and fundraise for Make 2nds Count as I train towards my first race post baby, the Great North Run in September 2023. It will be a personal challenge to get myself ready for it after having Finn (and not running for almost a year) but doing it for such a great cause will give me even more motivation to do myself, and Stef, proud.

Why is it important to you to have a charity dedicated to secondary breast cancer only?

I met Stef through her husband Allan. Their story is one for fairytales. They had met when they were teenagers and had been together ever since despite studies and work taking them across the UK. In 2017 they welcomed their gorgeous daughter Evie who was their world.

No family should have to go through what Stef's did, no husband should lose his soulmate like Allan has and no child should lose their beloved Mum at such a young age like Evie has. This is why it is so important to me that charities like Make 2nds Count have the funds for research into this disease so that we can prevent it affecting families like theirs in the future.

This is why I will be running the Great North Run in aid of Make 2nds Count and in memory of our lovely friend Stef.

The image at the top of this article is of Stef, Allan and Evie