Lauren inspired to take on GWR by amazing friend

Lauren Pezzani (pictured above) is taking part in the Great West Run this year to raise money for FORCE Cancer Charity and honour the memory of an inspirational friend described as bubbly, passionate and amazingly strong.

Emma Bullous was just 23 when died from brain stem cancer in January 2021.

“Emma was an amazingly strong and inspiring person who brought so many smiles and laughs into everyone’s lives, which included a very good impression of my extremely bad high ponytail in Year 7,” said 20-year-old Lauren with a smile.

“She had a lasting impact on everyone she met.”

Lauren, from Exeter, will begin an exciting new role as a student midwife in September but for now, her focus is on training for her first half marathon around the streets of her home city on May 24.

Big step

“I have never run more than a 3k before so this is quite a big step in my running journey,” she admitted.

FORCE support for Emma and her family was limited due to COVID lockdown restrictions, but Lauren recognises the value of the organisation’s support for local people affected by cancer.

“FORCE is a charity that means a great deal to me and has a huge impact on many people’s lives,” said Lauren.

Emma’s mum, Paula D’Souza, is supporting Lauren’s run and has shared some touching, personal memories, perfectly capturing the strength and courage her daughter had.

She told us: “Five years ago today, Emma died peacefully after a short but extremely courageous battle with a malignant brain tumour called a glioblastoma. This tumour had begun in Emma’s brainstem six months before she died and was about to take her sight, hearing, speech and ability to move — and, if that wasn’t enough, cause her such pain as it relentlessly progressed despite chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Bubbly

“Emma was a very fit, active and bubbly young woman with a passion for geology and had great plans for her future, which were sadly taken away from her suddenly. As a parent, you never for one moment think that your child will become terminally ill and die before you but for us, this reality came all too quickly.

“Over time, I have come to terms with the realisation that she is not going to bound down the stairs with her infectious smile and quick wit, even at 7am. I know she is never going to visit me at work with a bunch of flowers to tell me how much she loves me, or speed around the David Lloyd roundabout to get to her class on time.

“Her determination to live was so palpable and truly inspirational. She would often say to me, ‘Mummy, I have to hope that I will get better, as it’s all I have right now,’ and it’s that unwavering hope I want to bring to other families like ours.”

Inspiration

Paula has been a huge inspiration for Lauren to sign up for the Great West Run on May 24 and raise as much money as she can via her fundraising page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/br-S7S93UEBYFZL-2026-bishop-fleming-great-west-run?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

“By running the London Marathon in 2025 for Brain Cancer Research, as well as the Great West previously for Little Willow Wish, Paula has raised more than £2,000 in memory of Emma — giving hope to so many families in similar positions,” said Lauren.

“This is why I am running the Great West Half Marathon for FORCE. We have already raised £655 and I hope to raise even more to make as big a difference as possible and help give people the hope they deserve.

“If you’re reading this and would like to donate, your support helps FORCE fund vital research, provide essential equipment and offer continuous support to those who need it most.

“And if you’re reading this and struggling right now, I hope this gives you a little inspiration to tackle the things in life that may feel scary — we’ve got this, together.

“See you at the finish line!”

JOIN TEAM FORCE

You can join Team FORCE at the 2026 Great West Run and make a real difference to the lives of local people dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

FORCE offers free support to cancer patients and their families at their main centre in the grounds of the RD&E Wonford and at community hospitals in Ottery St Mary, Okehampton and Tiverton.

Our charity receives no Government or NHS funding and that’s where you come in. Runners taking part in the GWR have raised £300,000over the last two years, allowing FORCE to offer unparalleled support to thousands of local people affected by cancer.

That has inspired thousands of runners – experienced athletes, first-timers and everyone in between – to lace up their trainers and do their bit and improve the lives of people in their community.

 “They’ve run to ensure FORCE is here for their family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues at some of the most difficult times they may ever face,” said FORCE Events Fundraiser Chloe Richardson.

“The atmosphere on Great West Run day is like nothing else and we’d love it if as many people as possible could join us on May 24 2026 to be a part of something truly special.”

Sign-up is simple. Do it today at https://forcecancercharity.co.uk/great-west-run-2026/