Running back to health

Crossing the finishing line of Sunday’s Reading Half Marathon, runner Vicky Price had more reason that most to be proud.
 
It was the 30 year old’s first half marathon and she’d completed the gruelling 13.1 miles in an impressive 1 hour and 54 minutes. In doing so, Vicky and her friend Jo Lock had raised around £3,000 for charity.
 
Yet, just six months ago Vicky underwent major surgery to remove a brain tumour.
 
“I’m not the sort who could sit at home and be ill,” said Vicky, who was back at work at Trinity Pre-school just four weeks later. “The half marathon felt like something I could do both to get myself healthy and help the charity that had helped me.”
 
When Vicky was diagnosed last Summer, following two seizures, she sought help and advice from the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust.
 
“I want to help the research into brain tumours,” said Vicky, who lives with her partner and four sons in South Avenue, Henley. “The trust funds research as well as providing help and support so it felt like the right charity to raise money for.”
 
Her friend and work colleague Jo Lock was already planning to run the Reading Half Marathon.
 
“It was something achievable for me to aim for,” said Vicky.
 
As soon as her consultant at John Radcliffe Hospital gave her the ok, Vicky began training. Her four sons took it in turns to join her on shorter runs while Vicky ran alongside Jo when tackling longer distances.
 
Vicky was cheered round the course by family, friends and well wishers, beating her expected time by around half an hour.
 
“I got quite emotional half way round,” said Vicky. “I just kept thinking ‘I’m doing it’. By the time I finished I just felt relieved!”
 
Thanks to the generosity of friends, colleagues and even strangers, the pair’s fundraising total is nearing £3,000. Even her mum Rhona’s employers Retirement Villages have chipped in.
 
Vicky has now caught the running bug, her next race will be the Henley Half Marathon in October. She’s also planning to stage a number of other money spinning events over the summer.
 
“I just want to do my bit,” said Vicky. “My consultants are pleased with my latest test results so I’m concentrating on doing what I can.”