Willows' Warriors Defy Storm Ciara To Raise Thousands For Charity
6 years ago 
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An intrepid band of runners from a Solihull veterinary centre refused to allow Storm Ciara to ruin their fundraising plans for Cancer Research at the weekend.
The determined team of 14 from Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, in Solihull, were due to take part in Cancer Research UK’s London Winter Run last Sunday.
However, the event, which attracts more than 20,000 runners, was cancelled on the Friday evening because the storm’s hurricane force winds and torrential rain were about to batter the UK.
The Willows’ runners, who call themselves the Titanium Warriors, were undeterred, though, and showed their fearless fighting spirit by swiftly organised an alternative run at Draycote Water, near Rugby, in Warwickshire – and successfully completed it to raise £7,700 for the national charity.
Samantha MacDonald, marketing manager at Willows, explained: “There we were at 5pm on Friday (Feb 7) with trainers and lycra all packed for London when we received the news that, in the face of Storm Ciara, the London Winter Run had been cancelled.
“We were all gutted but immediately looked to form a Plan B, as there was no way all our training and determination, and most importantly all the monetary and emotional support we’d received, were going to go to waste.
“So, 500-odd WhatsApp messages later, and in true Warrior style, the Titanium Warriors had hatched a plan to do it on their own, in their own way, in their own location!
“We took to Draycote Water on Sunday morning to endure gale force winds, hail and rain beating down, head winds, tail winds and cross winds, all to raise awareness and money for Cancer Research UK.”
Alessandra Mathis, head of anaesthesia at Willows who spearheaded the group, said: “Our determination to do it was driven by the passing of Carole Taylor, a dear colleague and friend who we lost to cancer last year.
“Carole worked as a veterinary nurse at Willows for five years, during two of which she was fighting cancer.
“She was a true inspiration who absolutely loved running and was often the first to take up a new challenge, just like we’ve done.
“Our determination to succeed was further fuelled by one of our team members, Julie Hitchins, who trained and ran with us, even though she was diagnosed with cancer last year.”
Julie, a purchasing analyst with Willows’ parent company Linnaeus, underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy in November, as she fought her own battle with cancer.
Julie added: “Each and every one of us has been affected by cancer in some form be it directly, a loved one, a friend, or a colleague.
“Unfortunately, it is far too prevalent, affecting lives all around the world every single day. That’s why we’re standing shoulder to shoulder against cancer and it’s wonderful we’ve raised so much money and awareness for Cancer Research UK.”
The Warriors were elated after completing the run, with Samantha paying tribute to everyone who took on the elements in aid of such a fine cause.
She said: “What a journey we have been on, both as a group and individually. When I look at us, I see a band of runners with steely determination and true grit.
“We never thought we could raise this much money – it is mind blowing! It really has given us so much motivation, just knowing we are making a difference and that everyone had faith in us completing the run, and complete it we did!”
Anyone who would like to donate to the fearless Willows team should visit: https://www.justgiving.com/team/titaniumwarriors.
To find out more about Willows’ wide range of specialist services, visit www.willows.uk.net or search for Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service on Facebook.
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