Wiltshire runner on track to complete 240km challenge in memory of friend

A local woman is on track to complete a challenge to run 30 different 10k races throughout 2021 in memory of her friend who sadly lost her battle with cancer last year.

Victoria Goddard from Market Lavington and an employee of local housing association Aster Group has completed 24 of the 10k races so far in memory of Lynn Everson, Lynn Everson who was a close friend and running companion.  So far she has raised over £2,000 for Secondary1st, a small charity researching secondary cancer.

She will complete five more runs before the end of 2021 including the Bromham Pudding Run, The Yarnbury Yomp, Chippenham Shortest Day Route. Victoria’s final race will take place on 12 December where she will run with Lynn’s husband and family in Tetbury, Gloucester, to mark the end of her yearlong challenge to remember her running friend.

Victoria said: “I can’t believe we’re nearly at the end of this year and what an amazing year it’s been. The best run I completed was the Chippenham Longest Day 10k, which I did with Elaine, the other remaining Sister with a Blister as we called ourselves. It was by far the best run as it felt like the old days and the reasons why I am still doing it.  There have been a few injuries to overcome but I’ve enjoyed every minute.

“My dear friend Nick Phillips ran every race with me, supporting me and keeping me going. The whole team at Run for Fun Devizes have been a massive support and helped me when I have really struggled.”

Gary Prince, operations director in Wiltshire for Aster Group, said: “Congratulations to Victoria on her fundraising achievements and dedication over the last year. She has raised a fantastic amount for charity and on behalf of everyone at Aster I wish her all the best for her final races.”

A spokesperson for Secondary1st thanked Victoria for her fundraising and said: “Secondary1st funds vital research into secondary breast cancer, which kills almost 1,000 women every month in the UK.  Secondary breast cancer occurs when cancer cells in the breast travel to other organs in the body such as the liver, lungs, bones or brain to form new tumours; this is secondary or metastatic breast cancer and there is currently no cure. 

“Secondary1st is run entirely by volunteers so that 95% of the money raised for us is available to fund the research that is so urgently needed.”

Victoria is a team leader at Aster Group and has benefitted from the housing association’s match funding scheme to boost her overall total by £250 to £2,261.

Victoria is collecting donations until 30 November, and to find out or donate visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/VickyGoddard2