A BROMSGROVE teacher is set to run her 29 marathon for cancer research as she pushes one step closer to her £2 million fundraising goal.
Gill Punt, head of PE at South Bromsgrove High School, began raising funds for Cancer Research UK by running races after her dad Mike died of bile duct cancer in 1999, aged just 56.
Later this year she will run the TCS Amsterdam Marathon on October 19, adding to her feat of 28 completed marathons, 70 half-marathons and two Guinness World Records.
“Every marathon is a fresh challenge, but the motivation to help beat cancer keeps me running,” Gill told the Standard.
“The support from the community means everything, and I’m determined to keep pushing until we reach the £2 million milestone. Together, we can make a real difference.”
Just £18,000 away from her momentous goal, Gill shows no signs of slowing down. She will run the Amsterdam marathon in a full polar bear costume, marking the third time she has donned the suit for a race.
In 2016 she ran the London Marathon in the same costume, breaking the World Record for the fastest marathon run in a full-bodied animal costume.
She also ran the polar night marathon in Norway in the same costume, again earning herself a Guinness World Record, that time for the fastest ice marathon dressed as a mammal.
The 55-year-old from Bromsgrove holds a BEM and has been shortlisted for the finals of BBC Hereford and Worcester’s Make a Difference Awards on September 25.
Cancer Research UK has been very supportive of Gill’s efforts over the years, regularly celebrating her achievements. The charity has described her efforts as ‘nothing short of incredible.’
Gill added: “Please donate and help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
“Every donation, big or small, takes us one step (or paw) closer to beating cancer. Thank you for being part of this journey.”
Visit https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/multi-million-marathoning-mission to support Gill’s cause.
