We had the best childhood babysitter, my cousin. With a 10-year age difference, we’ve shared so much and grown up together through everything. Whether spending time with her five girls or our children, we’ve always remained close.

Earlier this year, in February, after feeling unwell for a while, she was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Despite the diagnosis, she continued to work for weeks until it became too difficult. Eventually, she had to take time off just before her operation to remove her kidney.

We will and will always be in awe of her strength. As a single mom facing a major diagnosis and surgery, she has powered through with incredible resilience.

Today, we received the devastating news that the cancer has spread. While the prognosis is still uncertain, it doesn’t look promising.

You might have heard (and if not, now you know) that we are running the Nottingham Half Marathon in September. Initially, we wasn’t running for charity, but now we can’t think of a better motivation! While no amount of money can cure cancer, we can run to support this great cause and help create some magical memories for her and her girls.