RAF footballers complete 24-hour charity challenge after teammate's cancer diagnosis
The RAF women's football team have completed a 24-hour challenge charity after their teammate was diagnosed with a rare and incurable blood cancer.
Corporal Rachael Howes has raised thousands of pounds for Blood Cancer UK since being diagnosed with Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma.
She was joined by her RAF football teammates for her latest challenge, a 24-hour gymathon, completing a workout once an hour for 24 hours.
"We hope to raise enough money to fund the research to hopefully one day find a cure," Cpl Howes said.
"Beginning of the year when I was diagnosed, it was around the Inter Services time, so I then went on to have iron infusions and then six months of chemotherapy which I finished about three months ago.
"So, I'm still trying to come out the other side of that, still not quite back to work full-time.
"I get constant monitoring and blood tests, just to see where my cancer levels are.
"My cancer levels have come down a lot but I still have cancer and I always will, but I'll just get monitored and then have treatment as and when the levels start to go back up again."
For Cpl Howe's teammates, they are full of admiration for their vice-captain.
"I think I can speak on behalf of everyone, she has handled it incredibly," said Corporal Pip Wilson.
"She is the most positive person. It says a lot about her the fact that she's been going through it but also raising money and awareness for Blood Cancer UK at the same time.
"It's been difficult to see one of your close friends and teammates go through it but she's handled it like an absolute champ."
The 24-hour gymathon was the latest fundraiser undertaken by Cpl Howes after she completed the Yorkshire Peaks Challenge, Shine Night Walk and Snowdon Triple Challenge.
With some help from her teammates, she has raised almost £5,000 so far and is planning on running the London Marathon next year.
Support can be given to her fundraiser here.
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