20-year-old Annabel Clancy never dreamed she’d take on a half marathon – having “hated” school PE lessons and deeming herself “un-sporty” when she didn’t excel at team sport.

However, when Annabel’s Dad decided to rekindle his love for marathon running this year, the Warrington-born student was suddenly inspired.

Having served on the Charities Committee at her university, Annabel is combining her altruism and new-found interest in running to take on the Manchester Half in October for Cancer Research UK. Annabel will run alongside her Dad, who has also set his sights on the adidas Manchester Marathon in April next year.

Read the heart-warming father-daughter story below – which demonstrates the power of role models and re-discovering lost passions.

Words by Annabel Clancy.

Growing up, I knew Dad used to run marathons and love sport, but it was difficult to picture it as commuting and office work took a toll on his physical health. In any case, it didn’t seem like he’d passed any of his sporting talent onto me – who was hopeless at netball and hated school PE lessons!

However, over lockdown, Dad challenged himself to walk 5 miles every day, which eventually turned into running, and the announcement that he wanted to start running marathons again last year. Mum and I thought he was nuts, but I became increasingly inspired by his training discipline, drive and incredible fundraising efforts (raising well over £2,000 for life-saving cancer search). After cheering him on at the adidas Manchester Marathon last April, I knew I wanted in on the action.

Fast-forward a few months, and Dad’s introduced me to the medicine that is running. I’m much less of a worry-pot than I used to be and training with Dad feels like hanging out with a best mate (with very different music taste).

Having served on the Charities Committee at university for the past two years, I wanted to turn my half marathon journey into a force for good. I chose Cancer Research UK as it does incredible work to get us closer to beating cancer and is a cause which resonates with so many – from my university friends to members of our local community. All donations are gratefully received and can be made via my JustGiving page.

I can’t wait to prove past me wrong and to tick off my first half marathon in October. I also can’t think of anyone else I’d want to have by my side for 13.1 miles than my Dad, who’s helped me realise that it’s never too late to challenge the perceptions you have about yourself.

Bring on the event day vibes, the incredible support I’ve heard so much about, and a sizable cuppa when it’s all done!

Thanks, Annabel, for sharing your story, and don’t forget to donate to Cancer Research UK through Annabel’s JustGiving page below: