Isabel Lee, a 10-year-old from Birmingham, is preparing to take on the Great Midlands Fun Run in Sutton Coldfield this May to honor her mother, Sarah, who tragically passed away from cancer last year. Sarah, a lifelong teacher in Birmingham, primarily in Kingstanding, died at age 48 in 2025 after a short battle with terminal cancer.
A Difficult Journey
Sarah first experienced balance issues during a weekend in November 2024. After initial concerns about labyrinthitis, an MRI scan on Boxing Day 2024 revealed brain tumors. Further tests showed the cancer had spread from other parts of her body, and by mid-January 2025, the family received the devastating news that it was terminal.
Isabel, along with her twin brother and older brother aged 15, learned of their mother's condition in stages. They were told about the cancer in January and learned it was terminal at the start of the Easter holidays. Sarah passed away during the second week of those holidays from cancer of unknown origin, possibly originating in her lungs.
Isabel's Mission
Determined to do something meaningful in her mother's memory, Isabel set her sights on the Great Midlands Fun Run. She had wanted to participate in 2025 but missed the registration deadline, so she made it her goal to enter the 2026 event. She has already raised over £2,000 for St Giles Hospice, a charity her mother was passionate about.
Isabel said: "Last year, my mum sadly died from cancer. She was the best mum in the whole world—always kind, funny, and she always knew how to make me smile. Watching her go through her illness was really hard, but she was so brave. I want to be brave just like her."
"Running 8.5 miles is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve never run this far before! But I know that whenever my legs feel tired, I’ll be thinking of mum and how much she’d be cheering me on."
Supporting St Giles Hospice
Isabel chose St Giles Hospice because her mother wanted to go there, though she ultimately died in hospital. The charity provided support to the family during Sarah's illness. Isabel emphasized: "Every donation, no matter how small, makes a huge difference. It helps continue their excellent work, providing a tranquil place for patients and their families to share their loved one’s last moments."
Her father, Richard, created a 'Miles of Love' JustGiving page and praised his daughter's determination. "Isabel isn’t a natural runner. She does Taekwondo and plays hockey for Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club and does acro dance. But she is quite a determined young lady. She always has been, like Sarah!"
Family Support
Isabel will be running with her aunt, Andrea Hardy, who has already accompanied her on practice runs at Kingsbury Water Park and Sutton Park. The fun run will take place on Sunday, May 31, covering 8.5 miles through Sutton streets and Sutton Park.
Richard, whose family lives in Mere Green, expressed pride in all his children: "The kids have been brilliant. All three of them are brilliant kids – polite, respectful, well-behaved." He has had support from his employer E.on and from Sarah's parents in Great Barr, who help with childcare.
"Sarah would be really proud of Isabel doing this. The children constantly amaze me how they have dealt with this," he added.
