In February 2018 the dreaded C word came into our family when my Mum Ailish was diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer. Immediately you think the worst.

We were introduced to the team at Charis Cancer Care, Lough Fea, Cookstown. Charis supports anyone affected by cancer at every stage of their journey and their families. Imelda and the Charis team have been amazing angels who provided education, light and positivity during the most difficult times.

http://www.chariscancercare.org/

On 5^th May 2019 five members of our family (Mum’s sister Arlene Walsh, 3 nieces Lucy, Claire, Paula O’Neill and I) will be running a relay in the Belfast Marathon to raise money for Charis who operate solely on community fundraising.

You might think pfft…surely you should run the full marathon? Well most of us don’t even run to the shop and I have asthmatic lungs that make running for the bus difficult. Getting up at 6am to run in -3 is a little bit of a culture shock when you normally press snooze about 5 times before work. But all in all yes this will be a breeze compared to what Mum has gone through.

Throughout her journey of surgeries and chemo Mum has been the way she always has…determined, a pillar of strength, a true fighter, our rock.... never complained, trendy and full of smiles and laughter the whole way through. A real inspiration to us all!

We can’t thank Charis Cancer Care enough for offering their guidance and support and every £1 towards this fantastic cause helps.

We look forward to the 5^th of May when we will celebrate life and having each other.

Thanks for your contribution.

Laura and the ‘Fit Fast Five’ team… sarcastic I know!
xxxxx