A 17-year-old student from St Benedict’s School who is undergoing cancer treatment has completed the Ealing Half Marathon, raising more than £30,000 for her school’s bursary fund.
Despite months of illness and treatment, Isabel M showed remarkable resilience in finishing the 13.1-mile race last Sunday (28 September 2025) while leading a campaign to support the St Benedict’s Bursary Fund, which helps pupils facing financial hardship.
Isabel said: “The idea came from my own experience. When my family and I were struggling, the bursary fund meant I could stay at St Benedict’s and be supported by friends, teachers and the wider community. I want other families who face bereavement or illness to have that same support.”
Her participation almost faltered when a promised sports wheelchair fell through days before the race. After an urgent appeal, Sunrise Medical stepped in, donating a Quickie QS5 X chair. The company’s head of marketing, Lucy Evans, personally delivered it, ensuring Isabel could complete the marathon more comfortably.
Isabel added: “I’ve been blown away by the support from the local community and beyond. None of this would have been possible without Sunrise Medical and everyone who donated.”
Ms Evans said the company was proud to back Isabel’s achievement: “Our mission is to improve lives by enabling people to pursue what they love. Isabel’s determination has been an inspiration.”
Donations to Isabel’s fundraiser, Running with Heart – St Benedict’s Bursary, remain open at https://annualfund.stbenedicts.org.uk/campaigns/running-with-heart-st-benedicts-bursary
