Why have I chosen to run the Hackney Half Marathon, you might very reasonably ask? It's not a particularly well known one and it's a bloody long way from Newcastle, you might think. My reason is simple. I've chosen to run the Hackney Half Marathon because it is on the anniversary of the death of my much loved friend Alena. It will be a tough day, and I wanted to challenge myself to do something positive in her memory (and the alternative was a South Coast ultramarathon which might have broken me!!!)  Running has helped me to deal with her loss, she is often sitting on my shoulder inspiring me as I push to the finish line chasing a personal best, or simply racking up the miles on a long training run. And I'll be proud to run for Macmillan, because they provided such fantastic support for her and her family during her years living with breast cancer, and continue to provide amazing support for others like her.

Alena was initially diagnosed with breast cancer aged only 26, and after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and endocrine therapy lived for over 10 years believing she'd beaten it. But when it came back in her bones, we knew that this time it couldn't be cured.  The dignity and courage with which she faced her diagnosis and treatment, for over 8 years living with metastatic cancer, was inspiring. She had such a handle on what actually really mattered – what she cared about was firstly that Stu and Henry would be OK, and then grasping every last bit of fun out of the time she had left.  She was so much more than the cancer that robbed her of her life. What sums her up in a single sentence was her fantastic ability to really LIVE life, to find the joy (and the often inappropriate humour) in everything, and that in spite of all the real shite that life threw at her and her family she was there with bells on for us all. In the months since she died, the stories I've heard from her friends about how she went out of her way to support them when they needed it have been truly humbling.  That I didn't know some of the amazing things she's done was typical. None of this was for show (in fact she actually got a bit fed up of being told how inspiring she was), but because she really genuinely cared.

Macmillan made a real difference to her and her family during this time too, and it mattered to her to be able to give something back.  Who could forget her and Stu's amazing 40th which seamlessly went from sophisticated garden party with fizz and canapes, to giant piss up German beer festival (such typical Alena contrast)? As well as the fun, laughter, and strong emotions of a wonderful day she helped to raise hundreds for Macmillan. Her funeral,  planned in her inimitable blend of style and humour with beautiful flowers from her garden and "a wicker coffin to piss Stu off", was a celebration of her life she would have loved, not least because thousands were raised in her memory for Macmillan.  

Well Alena, like it or not, you were inspiring in your life, and despite no longer being physically here continue to inspire me every day.  I know you'll approve wholeheartedly of my choice to raise money for Macmillan, and my determination to face a tough day head on with a challenge rather than just crying into my gin, although you'd have that unforgettable WTF non-poker face pondering why I'm raising it by running. However, I have no doubt you'll be with me in my heart and on my shoulder as I cross the finish line (I'll probably even be hobbling around like you with your beer injuries for a few days after too!) 

I know you get a lot of requests for sponsorship (often from me). I'm hugely grateful for whatever you can spare, to raise money for this fantastic cause in memory of a wonderful lady. And if you can't support me with money, your words of encouragement mean the world too - thanks in advance!

🌻🌻🌻