As you all know on 11th December 2015 at 3.05pm our lives changed forever, amazing Emily was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). Being only 12 at the time, you can imagine the heartache and devastation that hit us. By the 14th December, intensive chemotherapy had begun and Emily took it all in her stride but if we are honest at this point behind the bravado, the fear for our future was intense.

We were told Emily's treatment would last until March 2018. Even now, 18 months in, its very hard for us to imagine the end of treatment but we remain positive despite all the setbacks and ongoing daily chemotherapy treatment and steroids that Emily endures.

Emily is a fun-loving, snap-chatting, lovable, teenage girl who does not let anything or anyone get her down. With a passion for dogs and horse -riding, Emily has been determined to keep doing the things she loves.

As Emily's mum, my reason for doing Race for Life with 57 amazing friends is to raise money to buy other parents of children diagnosed with cancer a gift. During our first Christmas on Ward C2, I received a silver bag, the contents of this bag was powerful and something I will never forget. As simple as it was it made me realise that people that didn't know me but had gone through similar circumstances really cared. It is now my time to give something to others who may be at the beginning of their journey as a parent of a child with cancer, whatever type it may be.

So #TeamEmily has 57 committed athletes of all shapes and sizes, abilities and ages including Emily herself. Please dig deep because my personal training has been hard but not as hard as cancer

much love

#TeamEmily