Only 14 months ago we were told by a doctor that our little girl might have cancer. Apphia was hastily booked in for surgery in London and we sat waiting for 10 days for the phone call to tell us whether or not our world was about to come crashing in. Thankfully, we were incredibly lucky, and our fears subsided with the biopsy results. I will never forget how that felt, just the possibility. Most significantly, I cannot ever forget that whilst we were lucky, every year 4,500 children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer. It has always been a dream of mine to run the London Marathon and I cannot think of a greater cause than raising funds for Children with Cancer UK, to motivate me on my journey.  

As many of my friends and family know, running is something I love, but not something that has been easy. During my 4 pregnancies I suffered with severe SPD, or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction. It is an extremely painful and debilitating set of symptoms that meant I had to use crutches all the way through my pregnancies. After having my fourth baby, my pelvis was in such bad condition the Doctors assessment was that I would never be able to run again. Well... I proved them wrong! I have worked hard with an amazing Sports Therapist and ran my first half marathon in August last year.   

It will not be an easy journey and I will have to train incredibly hard to look after and strengthen the weaker areas, as well as the preparing for the small matter of 26.2 miles! I am absolutely determined that I will cross that finish line in October.  

I would like to raise as much as I can to support children and their families who are fighting cancer. Your donation, however small, is significant as right now, only 2% of cancer research funding is fully dedicated to researching childhood cancer. That means that penny you donate makes a valuable contribution to a time when every child diagnosed with cancer will come to the end of their treatment and ring that bell. 

Thank you for your support! 

Sam xx