My Daddy was my big bear and my hero.  He taught me to be fearless, to try anything, to remain positive and always do my best. He taught me to be brave - a silly example - he threw me down a ski slope when I was a child - "Point your skis and go" he said - "Just do it! You don't need lessons, follow me, I'll teach you." So I did!  My Dad wasn't old, he wasn't frail, he wasn't ill; he was my Dad and he was fit as a fiddle, usually tinkering away in his workshop, fixing an old classic car or making something crazy.  He was insanely funny, always cracking a joke and he was anything other than a typically retired 75 year old.  He was an ex airline pilot and had such a huge impact on everyone that came across him.  He was my Dad, he was epic and he was most definitely invincible.  Sadly, just two days before Christmas 3 years ago he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer - prostate cancer but with the addition of a neuroendocrine tumour. He fought his battle with dignity and pride and with a huge smile on his face and I had the honour of nursing him on a daily basis for his last ten days.  Sadly on 14th Feb 2017 he died peacefully in my arms just seven weeks after his diagnosis.  My world turned upside down.  Everything changed. We organised his funeral and 300 plus friends came to pay their condolences. My mother was heartbroken.  We were all heartbroken and in shock,  trying to comprehend how you can lose someone so strong, so quickly. 

Within a matter of months, my mother became unwell.  We noticed a dramatic weight loss but put it down to the stress of losing my father.  However, after several MRI scans later, we were told that she had stage 4B ovarian cancer.  It was a bleak time to say the least and hard to keep positive.  After intense chemotherapy and about a year on, my mother has battled her cancer and it is currently under control.  She is a little miracle. I am so grateful to the NHS and Macmillan Cancer for all their support through these dark times. 

I miss my Dad more than I can ever put into words.  He went far too soon and I remember his last words to me like they were yesterday. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him and I would give anything to have him back, even for just a few hours. Life will sadly never be the same.   

Running has always been a stress release for me and I have continued to try and keep it up as a coping mechanism.   I feel now is the first time since this nightmare began that I can commit to the training and raise money for this dreaded disease.  If you are able and willing to support me along the way it would mean so much.  As I write this, I am managing to run 10 miles ... I have absolutely no idea how I am going to increase this distance but I will do my best (yikes !).  I know my Dad would be proud and I hope that my Mum will be able to meet me at the finishing line.

Macmillan Cancer Support is here to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can, providing physical, financial and emotional support. So whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right right there with you.Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs.

Thank you for stopping by and taking time out of your day to read this.  I know how busy life is. Sadly, I think we all know someone or have been touched by someone suffering from cancer.  With your help, I hope that one day a cure will be found.