A Padiham secondary school teacher is marking out her route on what will be an epic and deeply personal challenge when she takes on an ultra marathon for charity.

Bronte Lloyd, who teaches at Shuttleworth College, is preparing to run a strength-sapping 102miles on the GB Ultra Chester on behalf of her adopted grandmother Christine Leadbeater who is currently battling two rare cancers at Weston Park Cancer Hospital in Sheffield.

Yet despite the huge task awaiting Bronte, she said that is nothing compared to what Christine is facing.

Bronte, from Sabden, said: “Christine has been my grandmother figure since my birth as unfortunately I’ve not been lucky with blood grandparents and Christine and her husband Bob have taken me in as one of their own.

Shuttleworth College teacher Bronte Randall is to run the GB Ultra Chester on behalf of Christine Leadbeater who is currently battling two rare cancers at Weston Park Cancer Hospital

placeholder image — Shuttleworth College teacher Bronte Randall is to run the GB Ultra Chester on behalf of Christine Leadbeater who is currently battling two rare cancers at Weston Park Cancer Hospital

“I am dedicating this run to her. I know it’s going to be mentally and physically challenging, however it’s nothing compared to what she is currently going through.

“For those who aren’t lucky enough to know Christine, all I can say is that you genuinely can’t put into words how beautiful she really is, body and soul.”

Bronte moved to Lancashire from Yorkshire three years ago and says her new home of Sabden is perfect for training.

“Sabden is a beautiful and amazing base for so many runs,” she said.

“My students all know what crazy races I get up to, they think I’m a lunatic but I hope to inspire them being a female teacher in this ultra running sport. They always see me in crocs and then they know I’ve done a race at the weekend.

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Bronte has now made an emotional plea for people to support her, Christine and the vital work of the Weston Park Hospital.

She added: “Christine is my icon and role model and I’m incredibly proud of her bravery and resilience battling cancer.

“We all have someone or know someone who has had cancer. My someone is Christine Leadbeater and from the bottom of my heart I would be eternally grateful and appreciate any donations to support Christine and others during their battle.”

To support Bronte please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/westernparkcancerhospitalsheffield100miles?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL