Peterborough six-year-old runs to raise funds after teacher’s cancer diagnosis

Poppy, who is going into Year 2 at Yaxley Infants in September, says she: “isn’t one for running normally” and has only ran around 100m doing fun runs in the past. However, after seeing a Cancer Research advert on the TV, she decided she wanted to fundraise to help find a cure.

Initially, Poppy considered 10km in 10 days but wanted to push herself to 20km and then settled on 42km which would be a 26.2 miles marathon equivalent. Only expecting to raise £100, Poppy has been inundated with support from her school and family and friends as her fundraising page has surpassed £1,700 and she still has under half of the distance to go.

Running with mum, Amy Maxwell (35), who is a primary school teacher and a member of Yaxley Runners, the pair have been going out most days as Poppy always wants to reach her next milestone.

Proud dad, Gary Maxwell (34), is amazed at her dedication. He said: “She’s been so positive and did once suggest going out at 2am although she settled for a 6:30am start. We thought it would be good to raise £100 or £200 but the support has been absolutely brilliant. She loved having her teacher this year and was so upset to hear she was unwell. The school has been wonderful at supporting her and even bought her a teddy as a mascot, who she’s named Lottie.”

Poppy says she has been ‘quite happy’ when she’s out, but does have to walk sometimes while doing 3km bursts as that: ‘feels like a marathon’ to her.

Poppy said: “I am really enjoying doing it and I’m glad I’ve raised so much money but I’d like to raise more. I’d like to get to 50km when I’ve finished the marathon. I can’t wait to get back to junior ParkRun when it’s back.”

Running close to home with her family, she has been completing the marathon in 2km-3km bursts around Yaxley, Ferry Meadows and even Holkham Beach. Switching up her running patterns has helped keep her motivated, as well as running socially distanced with her friends and teachers!

“Poppy even managed to run with Abbie, who has had her first two rounds of chemotherapy.

Headteacher Donna Edson said: “We are all so proud of what Poppy is doing! She is a real inspiration and her determination to make a difference shines through! She really is a little superstar. Both Poppy and Abbie are amazing and we are all so proud.”

Wanting to finish her marathon in style, Poppy hopes to complete her final stretch on The Mall in London on August 14, near to what would be the London Marathon finish line.

To keep up to date with Poppy’s progress or to donate go to: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/amys-breast-cancer-research-fundraising-page-20