Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Here's my story and the 'why'....

My name’s Donna and earlier this year, I lost my wonderful Dad to Cancer. He was only 63 and a missed diagnosis by his GP two years ago meant that by the time he developed the symptoms of Lung Cancer, it was far too advanced to treat. It was a truly horrible and harrowing time for my Dad and our family and friends.

After his formal and belated diagnosis in October 2014, my Dad quickly became very ill, spending several months in hospital. The Cancer spread to his bones, and throughout his body resulting in 2 leg amputations. He contracted the MRSA bug which caused added complications to his already weak immune system. Next the Cancer spread to his brain and it was devastating to see my usually articulate, confident, humorous Dad turn into a frail man who we barely recognised. I visited him in hospital most days and Christmas and his birthday were the hardest for us all. Throughout this period of intensive treatment and illness, remarkably my Dad kept smiling. He never once complained or played the martyr and he was braver than any person I’ve ever met before in my life. I will never forget that strength and feel so proud of him each and every day for the way he coped with this evil disease.

My Dad passed away in February and still now, as a family, we struggle to come to terms with the loss of a man so special. He should still be here now, planning his retirement, playing with his grandchildren and supervising my DIY projects. We can never forgive or forget the injustice and pain we feel knowing that his death could have been prevented.  Instead, we have to be positive and focus on what we can do….We can celebrate his life and the legend that he was by remembering the happy times. And personally, I’ve committed to living life to the full, just as he’d have wanted me to. I’ve also made a promise to do things that would have made him proud in the hope he’s looking down with a wry smile on his face saying “That’s my girl”.

The Wolf Run is the first proud moment I want to create, along with my £500 fundraising target for the Macmillan charity. They do a great job at helping care for people with Cancer so I feel privileged to support such a worthwhile cause. If the above story wasn’t enough to make you dig deep into your pocket to sponsor me, do it because of the suffering and embarrassment I’m experiencing as a result of my Training Plan and the forthcoming Wolf Run! Those who have been unfortunate enough to see me during or after a run, will know that I am neither fit, nor a fan of exercise, so it’s been a challenge learning to run.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting the memory of my Dad with your sponsorship. It means so much Thanks, Donna x