My mother sadly passed away 7 months ago after battling cancer for 10 years. She was diagnosed with an aggressive stage 3 breast cancer in March 2006, however came out all clear year later. Unfortunately, despite religiously following her cancer treatment, 8 years later, in October 2013, she was diagnosed again, this time with stage 4 secondary metastatic cancer (a progressed form of breast cancer, in which it spreads to the bones), being given an average time span of 5 years to live. Despite this, Sharron only lasted just under 3 years, passing away in July 2016.

Seeing how the cancer rapidly deteriorated her physically and mentally was the saddest part. Sharron went from being the most beautiful, on the ball, hardworking mother you could ever wish for, to being totally unrecognizable and debilitated, losing all her bodily functions in the cruelest ways you could imagine. The one thing she never lost was her selfless, determined attitude, which followed her through right to the very last moments of her life.

Cancer has changed my life forever, I have lost my mother and best friend. I want to challenge myself to pay tribute to the battle my mum endured, participating in the Great Manchester Run will allow me to do so. Macmillan made the last few weeks of my Mum's life slightly more bearable for her, the wonderful nurses making her smile and supporting her needs. Any donations would be truly appreciated.