Hi all, 

As many of you already know, our family were once again faced with cancer when my Mum was re-diagnosed at the beginning of January 2021. 

This will be her third battle with cancer, and has proven to be one of her hardest. Having undergone intense radiotherapy and chemotherapy throughout the beginning of last year, and a lengthy stint in hospital at the height of our third national lockdown, we had the news that this treatment had been unsuccessful. Mum is an incredibly strong woman, and has charged forward with courage and immense bravery at every step, even when hit with devastating blows she's an absolute inspiration.

It's been hard to be so helpless whilst she's been suffering, especially as when we weren't able to visit her in hospital or hold her hand and keep her company whilst she had her chemo or radio appointments. The pandemic has robbed people of so much in the past two years, and it took away our chance to really be there for Mum. 

To get through both the pandemic, and Mum's declining health, I threw myself into running last year - going from being unable to run 1k (I was an incredibly unfit human being) to multiple 10ks a week. To give myself a new goal, and a new challenge, I wanted to push myself even further, I ran my first half marathon (whilst also supporting a good cause). And now, three half-marathons later, it's time to go the big one - the London Marathon. 

This not only gives Mum a survival goal - to still be here to cheer me on as I cross that finish line, but it also allows me to help support Macmillan, a charity we're going to have to lean on in the coming months. Running has not only been my mental health saviour, it's brought me closer to Mum, who has supported me through every step of my journey. 

As with many people who have a family member fighting this disease, I want to do what I can to help raise money for a charity that has helped so many people, and family members, through the fight with cancer. 

I'd be truly grateful for any support, it will certainly be needed to get me through the race distance.

Hannah x