إِنَّا ِللّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رٰجِعونَ 

On the 29th April, 2020, my beautiful best friend, Amani was diagnosed with an incurable stage 4 Glioblastoma multiforme brain tumour, in November of 2021 we got the devastating news that it had spread further into her spine.  On the 21st of February 2022 my beautiful best friend Amani returned to her creator. She was a soul that was loved by many with a smile and laugh so infectious she lit up the whole room. She touched the hearts of thousands and she has left a void in our hearts that can never be filled. 

In memory of Amani I will be running the London Marathon for Brain Tumour Research on 23rd of April 2023 In’Sha’Allah. (In October 2022 I had to defer my place due to unforeseen circumstances)

This has been heartbreaking for all of us close to her. Amani has long been my soul sister, best friend, and partner in crime - all in one. For many years we were inseparable with uncle even threatening me to start paying rent because of how often I’d be at their house! Amani would be the person I would run to if I needed guidance advice or comfort, having to adjust has not only been difficult but still feels surreal with the constant feeling of having a space missing in my heart. 

Seeing her go through this has been one of the toughest things watching it all unfold knowing I couldn’t do anything to help, but what has amazed and inspired me was Amani’s strength, determination, and courage to fight this disease until the very end. She did not stop. Many of you will know Amani was the biggest advocate for raising awareness for Brain tumour research till her very last breath. It’s been a rollercoaster ride, a constant fight, and changed every plan she made and we made. I never thought I’d have to go through life’s milestones without her by my side and to be honest I still don’t know how I will, But we plan and Allah swt plans, and Allah swt is the best of planners. for He says “Kun Faya Kun” - “Be and it is” - Subhan’Allah there is goodness in everything that happens I feel at ease knowing she is no longer in pain and have no doubt she’ll be waiting for us at the gates of Jannah In’sha’Allah. 

It took this for me to understand just how devastating brain cancer is. Did you know only 1% of national cancer funds are spent on brain tumours? Did you know approx. 16000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year? Were you aware that less than 20% of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive more than 5 years? Or that brain tumour kills more women under 35 than breast cancer, and more children than leukaemia? 

Whilst Allah swt is the only one that can cure and give life, we can come together to raise awareness and funds to enable further research in this space. Amani’s decline broke my heart in a way I can’t describe, and this marathon is in honour of my best friend. I’ve never been a runner - quite far from as everyone knows. but there’s no one in this world I’d rather run for than in memory of Amani, so please I ask you all for three things

1) Support me - donate to this worthy cause and please, please share/repost with your family, friends and social networks.

2) Continue to make dua for my beautiful Amani. May Allah swt grant her the highest ranks in Jannah. May she be waiting at the gates for us all. Throughout everything her faith only got stronger, May He give her family continued strength, immense amount of Sabr and never let them waver in their trust in Him. Ameen. 

3) Please follow @fight4Amani on instagram to learn more about her story and how Amani’s family continue to raise awareness in her memory.

Together, we can highlight the aggressiveness of brain cancer and make a difference. 

Amani made us all so proud with how hard she fought and how she continued to push through despite the obstacles. A true inspiration. In constant awe of her, no matter how many times she was knocked down she continued to get back up.  Missed beyond words. Not a day goes by without remembering her. forever and always in our Dua’s ♥️