Running Together for Gilly – One Mile at a Time

At RUN Loughborough, we know that running is about so much more than PBs, finish lines, or medals. It’s about the strength of community, the courage to keep moving forward, and the bonds that grow when we run side by side, no matter the distance.

Today, we want to share the story of our amazing club member, Gilly Entwistle , a fighter, a friend, and an inspiration. 💗

Gilly’s Journey – Courage in the Face of Challenge

On 5th January 2025, Gilly’s life changed in an instant. Without warning, she suffered a seizure and collapsed into her dad’s arms. Just two days later came the devastating diagnosis: an aggressive, fast-growing brain tumour.

True to her spirit, Gilly faced the news with remarkable bravery. On 16th January, she underwent emergency brain surgery carried out by a skilled NHS team, who managed a near-total resection of the tumour. Since then, she’s endured 30 rounds of radiotherapy, 42 doses of chemotherapy, and most recently high-dose chemotherapy with hyperthermia treatment.

And through it all, she has refused to let cancer define her. As she says herself: “Cancer may affect me, but it does not define me. I am determined to keep fighting and living my life to the fullest.”

Why We’re Running – Giving Gilly a Fighting Chance

Standard NHS treatments can only go so far. To give herself the best possible chance, Gilly urgently needs targeted therapies or immunotherapy, ground-breaking treatments that have shown real promise in extending life and improving its quality.

But these treatments are not available on the NHS, and they come with a staggering cost of £250,000. Without them, Gilly’s chances are drastically reduced. With them, she has a real fighting shot.

That’s why her family, friends, colleagues, and, most importantly, her RUN Loughborough family are rallying behind her.

One Mile at a Time – Team Gilly Kicks Cancer

On Sunday, 5th October 2025, Victoria Park in Leicester will come alive with energy and hope as people gather for “Team Gilly Kicks Cancer – One Mile at a Time.”

There’s something for everyone:

• 9:30 am – Family Run/Walk (1.6k)  Perfect for kids and families.

• 10:30 am – Relay Run (Teams of 4)  A great way to get competitive with friends.

• 12:00 pm – Individual 5k Run  For runners of all levels.

And just to add extra sparkle, every entrant will be placed into a prize draw to win an Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen), kindly donated by Currys.

RUN Loughborough Stands With Gilly

Gilly is not just a member of RUN Loughborough, she is part of our team, our family, and our heart. We are so proud of her courage and determination, and we want her to know that we are behind her every step of the way.

On the day of the event, many of us will be running alongside her cause, but we know not everyone will be able to make it. So here’s what we’re asking:  

👉 If you can’t be there in person, dedicate your own run to Gilly. Title it “For Gilly – One Mile at a Time”, and share her fundraising link in the description.

That way, no matter where you are, we can all run together for her. Because this isn’t just Gilly’s fight. It’s ours too.

How You Can Help

• Sign up for the event – Be part of something truly meaningful.

• Donate if you can – Every pound brings Gilly closer to treatment.

• Dedicate your own run – If you can’t be there, run wherever you are in her honour.

• Share her story – The more people who know, the stronger her chances.

A Message of Hope 💗

At RUN Loughborough, we run together. We lift each other up. And when one of us faces their toughest race, we all step in to help carry them forward. Gilly’s journey is a reminder that every step matters, every mile counts, and every act of support makes a difference.

In her own words: “I am determined to kick cancer down.”

So let’s do what we do best, let’s run with heart, run together, and help Gilly keep moving forward, one mile at a time. 👉  Join the Event or Donate Here