Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Hi it's me again, 

It seems like only five minutes ago that I was desperately reaching out to anyone who would listen in the bid to raise money for Cancer Research during which time my Dad was fighting the horrible disease. 

Here we are now in September 2017 and my story is just a little bit different. Sadly my amazing Dad, my hero, passed away in May this year after battling and beating cancer since 2011. I have never felt pain quite like that of watching someone I love and adore suffer as cancer took over, and then the unimaginable pain of loosing him forever. 

My Dad spent the final weeks of his life within the care of the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, and during this time he was cared for with love, compassion and empathy. As a family we were also treated with the same support from all the team at the unit especially those on Mersey Ward and from his palliative nursing team, who during this very emotional and delicate time for the family reached out to us with honesty and sincerity. 

Grief is an horrific thing and the way in which we cope with this is very much an personal journey and I have learnt there is no right or wrong way, just your own way. I want to try and channel all the hurt and pain into something positive. I can't physically make a difference to my Dad anymore but I can help those that may face the daunting experience of beating cancer and their families. 

In order to make a difference and raise a substantial amount of money for the centre my challenge is not a small one. Over the next 12 months I will be taking part and training for 18 big events, finishing in Sept 2018 and hopefully raising my target amount of £18,000 for the charity - this is my event - 18-18-18.

These events will be anything from marathons, Tough Mudders, triathlons and anything else I can think of punishing my body through. 

In addition,  being a mummy to two young boys and with my husband working away for 8 months of the year, this will not only be about mental and physical endurance but the logistical juggling act of trying to balance this around my family life with my boys.  


Events in the diary to date are:

1: Tough Mudder - 9th Sept - COMPLETED

2: Scottish 1/2 Marathon - 24th Sept. COMPLETED

3: Manchester 1/2 Marathon - 15th Oct COMPLETED

4: Great South Run - 22 Oct COMPLETED

5: Tatton Park 1/2 Marathon - Nov COMPLETED

6: Helsby 4 Villages 1/2 Marathon - Jan COMPLETED

7: Village Bakery 1/2 Marathon - Feb COMPLETED

8: Liverpool 1/2 Marathon - March COMPLETED

9: Chester 10K -  March COMPLETED

10: Mersey Tunnel 10k - April COMPLETED

11: Chester 1/2 Marathon - May COMPLETED

12: Edinburgh 1/2 Marathon - May COMPLETED

13: Wilmslow 1/2 Marathon - June COMPLETED

14: Deva Divas Triathalon - July COMPLETED

15: English 1/2 Marathon - COMPLETED

16: Manchester 1/2 Marathon - COMPLETED

17: Flintshire 10k - October - COMPLETED

18: Clatterbridge to Chester 1/2 Marathon- The final race COMPLETED

From myself, my Mum and my Sister, thank you for taking the time to read my story and if you've read this far an even bigger thank you! 

I hope to make a difference in my Dads honour.

Much love

Helen xXx