On Sunday 24^th April 2016 I will be running the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for the Institute of Cancer Research.  It will be the culmination of months of training and an emotional journey for me that started just over a year ago. 

On the 6^th October 2014, I was diagnosed as having a BRCA1 genetic mutation. For those that aren’t familiar with it, having this mutation greatly increases a carrier’s chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer in their lifetime.   As I was fit and healthy, this news was incredibly overwhelming and came as a massive shock.  My first instinct was that I wanted to fight but in this situation, there is nothing to fight.  It would be like fighting a ghost that haunts you or a shadow that is always lurking behind you.  So I have chosen to fight with the only weapon I have at my disposal….hope.  Running for the Institute of Cancer Research has made me feel like I am joining a team that is committed to fighting Cancer just as much as I am…..and that gives me hope! Hope for better detection, better treatment and better outcomes for cancer patients!  Cancer has affected so many loved ones and I know I am not alone in this fight.  My goal is to raise £2000 towards the Institute of Cancer Research.  If you share my hopes and want to join the fight, please would you consider making a donation towards the marathon.  Every penny counts and donations of any size are very welcome!!!   If you would like me to run on behalf of a loved one that has fought or is still fighting cancer, please send me their names so that I can carry them over the finish line with me. 

Having a BRCA1 mutation could have easily become a very heavy burden to bear but I have chosen to see it as a blessing.  It has taught me that the only limitations there are on my existence are the ones that I have placed on myself.  I am so ready for a life without limitations.  Living every day to the fullest!