Rukshana is running the Robin Hood Half Marathon for cancer research at NTU

For Rukshana, the Robin Hood Half Marathon is her opportunity to pay tribute to the treasured parent she lost to cancer, while raising vital money and awareness to improve outcomes for others facing the disease by fundraising for the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre at NTU.

Speaking about her personal fundraising motivation, Rukshana said:

“This run is for my beloved dad.”

“Going through my dad’s cancer journey and eventually losing him was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. It’s also a huge part of what keeps me going with this challenge.”

Drawing from her own family’s experience, Rukshana is using her platform as a fundraiser to highlight the devastating impact cancer has on the lives of everyone it touches.

“Having experienced his cancer journey alongside him, I know how much cancer affects not only the person going through it, but their whole family too.”

“When the training gets difficult or I question why I’ve signed myself up for this, I remind myself that I’m doing something positive in his memory and hopefully helping other families affected by cancer.”

Rukshana first found running as an outlet to help her manage stress and take some time for herself.

“I wanted something that was completely separate from everyday life and work, and running became a bit of an escape for me and something I could do for my own mental wellbeing.”

When a family member told Rukshana about the Robin Hood Half Marathon, she started looking for a charity to fundraise for and found the JvG Cancer Research Centre.

“It felt like everything had fallen into place.”

She realised that the activity that helped her push through her lowest moments, could channel awareness and support to help others undergoing similar struggles.

“Being able to take something I’d started for myself and turn it into something that could help others felt really special.”

The Robin Hood Half Marathon is Rukshana's first ever half marathon, but she hopes it will be just the beginning of her running journey, aspiring to work up to a full marathon.

“Training has been really good overall and very humbling at times! I’ve been training for the last few months and watching myself slowly build up the distance has made me realise how much our bodies are capable of.”

“I’ve had some inconsistent weeks, especially during the hotter weather, but now that it’s cooling down, I’ve got a solid few weeks to really focus and prepare before race day. I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself as I’m just trying to get to that finishing line.”

Reflecting on her mixed emotions ahead of race day, she said:

“I’m SO excited, but definitely nervous too!... there’s a lot of unknown, but I think that’s part of what makes it so exciting.”

“I already know crossing that finish line is going to be emotional. I think a huge part of me will be thinking about my dad and wishing he was there to see it, but I know I’ll feel incredibly proud knowing I’ve done it in his memory.”

Looking back on her fundraising experience so far, Rukshana says being open about her reasons for taking part was key. For anyone thinking of fundraising for a cause they care about, her advice is to be authentic.

“I think when you’re fundraising for something that’s genuinely close to your heart, you don’t have to force the story.. you just speak from your own experience.”

With a couple of weeks to go until the half marathon, Rukshana has already raised almost £1,500 to further cancer research at the JvG Centre, connecting with others and finding support along the way.

“I’ve also been completely overwhelmed by people’s generosity. Every donation, share and message of encouragement has meant so much to me. So, my advice would just be to choose something you truly care about, don’t be afraid to share why it matters to you, and let people be part of the journey with you.”

To read more about Rukshana’s story and follow her half marathon fundraiser for cancer research, visit her JustGiving page and join us in cheering her on.