Sheffield runner to clock up 100th half marathon in home city for cancer charity

Jayne Abdy only began running four years ago, setting herself the challenge of running 40 half marathons by her 40th birthday.

Now aged 42, she has even more miles under her belt and will reach a personal milestone with the Sheffield Half Marathon on Sunday, March 29.

Younger sister Sarah Abdy, who shares family firm Wentworth Pewter with Jayne, is full of admiration for the achievement.

She said: “I’m very proud of her. It’s amazing what she’s done. Her commitment is crazy.

“Jayne just woke up one day and started running. It took us all by surprise. She took her driving test too, and now she goes all over the place to take part in races.”

So far, Jayne’s adventures have included runs in Ireland, Denmark and the Netherlands, as well as many closer to her home in Oxspring.

Sarah said: “She does one most weekends, sometimes even two, and has even done the Round Rotherham ultra marathon.

“I think she just loves getting out in the fresh air, the freedom, and travelling around seeing places. It’s good for the mind, even though it’s difficult to fit it all in.”

Jayne’s exploits have inspired the whole family to be more active, and she often leads them out on long walks between her races.

There has always been a family component to her what she does, as Jayne always runs in her Cavendish Cancer Care vest.

So far, she has raised more than £1,500 for the charity in memory of her dad Stephen, who died in 2002.

In the final months of his life, Stephen benefited from the charity’s free specialist therapy services, which help cancer patients come to terms with the psychological side of the illness.

Sarah said: “The staff at the centre were so so helpful when the time came. They helped dad be at peace with everything. They did really good follow-up with the whole family afterwards too.”

To add to Jayne’s total, go to https://bit.ly/2WdBgJz.