Raise money for Cancer Research UK

Hi, our names are Elsa Rendall Todd and Theia Gaynor, we are 15 and 16 years old and we have been best friends since we were 5 when we met at a BMX race. We are trying to raise money to donate to Cancer Research UK by running a the Manchester Half Marathon next year in Wonder Woman costumes. We want to do it for Elsa’s mum, Tabby who recently died of colon cancer.

Elsa’s mum, Tabby was diagnosed with colon cancer in May 2023 that had spread to her lungs, liver and leg. It was treated as much as possible but after a break in treatment because of a blood clot in her lung, it was discovered that the cancer had spread even more and had become untreatable. On 18th September 2023 Tabby passed away. We are running the Manchester half marathon in October 2024 to raise money for cancer research so that other families don’t have to go through similar situations.

As well as being a keen BMX racer, Tabby was an ultra-distance cyclist who won Race Across Italy 2 times. She also achieved European number 4 in BMX racing in 2019. She was also a mother of 3 children (Elsa, 15; Zach, 19; and Oscar, 21) who she supported in all their endeavours. She worked tirelessly to help them pursue their dreams. Elsa has been top 6 in the world at BMX for the past 8 years including 2 world titles. Zach has represented Great Britain 4 times at the BMX world championships and is now going to uni to study photography. Finally, Oscar achieved a black belt in karate and is currently studying English literature at university.

For over a decade, Tabby was well known in the British BMX scene for being generous with her time and advice not just to her friends, but to the wider community. Tabby advocated for BMX within British Cycling through her role on the BC National Board and she fought to introduce a safer concussion protocol in the sport. Also, Tabby’s role as coach at Cyclopark encouraged others to participate in the sport that she loved.

Our choice to do the half marathon in particular is inspired by Tabby’s own half marathon run that she completed to celebrate her 50th birthday and also the marathon which she planned to complete but was not able to. Tabby was known as Wonder Woman in BMX which is why we are running in Wonder Woman costumes.

Any support that you can provide would be greatly appreciated, and all donations will go straight to Cancer Research UK Charity.

Rest in peace Tabby you will always be in our hearts ️ ❤️️