Jennifer Tawse

Since being diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2008 aged 31, Jennifer has been an inspiration to everyone who knows her. Almost half her tongue was removed and rebuilt with a graft from her arm. Throughout her treatment she was always positive and has spoken with others going through similar treatment as this type of cancer is rare, particularly in younger women. Jennifer decided to run the London Marathon last year and was selected to be part of the Cancer Research team and, despite concerns from her consultant, she completed the marathon and raised over £15,000 for Cancer Research. Not only does Jennifer dislike running, as a result of her treatment she produces effectively no saliva and relies on synthetic saliva which would have made running the marathon a gruelling challenge for her. She dedicated so much time and effort training for the marathon and also to generate sponsorship that I can't think of anyone more inspirational to be a torchbearer. I only raised £12,500 not £15,000.