I swore I would never run another marathon!

However, in May last year my boyfriend Richard lost a dear friend following a long and brave battle with breast cancer. Due to her illness, unfortunately Dominika & I never had the opportunity to meet, yet we knew all about each other from the close bonds we both had with Richard. Seeing the love & care that she inspired in Richard, her friends that I have met since & her husband Andy, I was motivated to raise money for an extremely worthy cause by completing this challenge in her memory.

In the words of Richard:

Dominika was someone who is best described as 'Polish' in the very best possible way. Operating with extreme bluntness - seemingly a cultural thing - a sharp sense of humour, wit, intelligence and talent in abundance, the most striking thing about Dominika was her capacity for fun, mischief and kindness. Testament to this are her legion of friends and family and who mourn her passing each day.

It is fair to say that the world seems a less colourful and vibrant place without Dominika in it, yet in her fight and untimely passing she has inspired me to try and look upon things with a fresh perspective and appreciate the joy in life whenever possible. A day doesn't pass when I don't draw upon her strength to find my own, and thank her for the friendships that I have been fortunate to have developed through her, not least with her husband Andy.

Dominika possessed incredible strength and demonstrated inspiring bravery in the face of a debilitating illness and treatment, the likes of which I can only imagine. She never lost her sense of humour, or mischief, as demonstrated whilst I accompanied her during a hospital visit; approaching the attractive, young attending female doctor about her 'availability' (I was single at the time), In the middle of receiving urgent medical treatment! Needless to say, I was left rather embarrassed and red faced, which she found hilarious!!

I am extremely proud and grateful that my lovely girlfriend Helen has chosen to take on this challenge, for a worthy cause, in memory of my beautiful friend, as frankly I am only qualified to assist in the 'carbing up' process! I hope that in raising this money others, like  Dominika, will find peace and respite, during their time of need, in the beautiful surroundings and professional care of the Leckhampton hospice, run by the Sue Ryder charity.

Thank you for your donation, your support is much appreciated. In Loving memory of Mrs Dominika Emmett.

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