University Of Nottingham alum raises four figures for cancer charity after running the Manchester Marathon
A former University of Nottingham student and brain tumour survivor has raised thousands of pounds for a charity close to her heart.
Flora Bouchier, who graduated with a MEng degree in Chemical Engineering in 2022, completed the Manchester Marathon in under four hours on Sunday 16 April 2023 in aid of Brain Tumour Research.
Diagnosed with a grade 1 glioneuronal in April 2016 after experiencing nausea, hot flushes and partial seizures, Flora underwent surgery to have the tumour removed but suffered from post-operative depression, which had a severe impact on her life until she went to university and started getting back into sport.
Flora Bouchier
When I was ill, I didn’t exercise for a long time. I really struggled to get out of bed and was quite unhappy with myself. I put on lots of weight because I was so inactive, but now I’m feeling fitter than ever, loving life and happy to be able to run around.
Flora Bouchier
Flora continued: “It’s a bit of a lifestyle change training for a marathon. I was putting so much of my time into it and having to eat so much because I was constantly hungry. I was also having to be strict with my sleep because getting less than eight hours and having to do a long run isn’t fun.”
Upon finishing the marathon in three hours and 58 minutes, Flora enjoyed a brownie and a beer at the finish line.
She added: “I’m very happy with my time, I signed up for a half-marathon three weeks before and got 1:52:30, so I started thinking sub four might be possible, and, in the end, decided to go for it.
“I managed 1:55 for the first half but started feeling queasy after 20 miles because I hadn’t drunk enough water. I did a bit of maths and worked out how much time I had left and how much I could afford to slow down. When I was three miles from the finish, I knew I could comfortably achieve sub-four hours and was able to enjoy the last couple of miles.
“I definitely want to keep running because I really enjoy being active and am super fit at the moment, but I think I’d rather run more as a hobby and do it when I want to, rather than because I have to.”
So far, Flora’s raised £2,850, smashing her initial target of £2,000, and donations are continuing to pour in.
Chris Dodds stood looking at a camera
I’m thrilled to hear that Flora has completed her marathon and raised a fantastic amount of money for Brain Tumour Research at the same time.
Chris Dodds, Head of the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham
Chris continued: “She’s always been an inspirational fundraising champion as well as an outstanding talent academically – winning the prestigious Salters Insitute Prize during her time at Nottingham. I’d like to congratulate her on her latest achievement.”
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “Flora is an inspiration and should be rightly proud of what she’s achieved. We’re so grateful for all her support. Brain tumours kill more children than leukaemia and any other cancer, yet, historically, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Together we will find a cure.”