On the 25th of September 2019 my sister, Norma, lost her long battle with Sarcoma and decided it was time to let her body rest. No longer will she have to face the chemo, radiotherapy, surgeries and drug trials that she endured for the last 10 years of her amazing life. We have now said goodbye to the most wonderful Sister and Auntie; as well as Mum, and Granma to her own extended family, but she left a legacy which we are honouring, remembering and supporting. Norma was selfless to the core and always wanted to make a difference and help others less fortunate than herself. She may not be able to campaign nor fundraise herself and I know she won’t be at the finish line herself (as she was when her daughter ran the Edinburgh marathon), but in a small way as a family we can continue her cause. This is why I am ignoring the nearly two years of training on my dodgy knees and  middle aged frame by digging out my trainers and hitting the pavements again. 

We, the Balharrie family, decided we wanted to do something to focus on following Norma's passing, so myself, my wife, Karen, and our children Sam (21) and Lucy (19); together with Norma's daughter, Fiona are all running as a team (albeit at different speeds!) in the 2021 London marathon on the 3rd October. This will be a real challenge for all of us but we know we can do it and are spurred on by how Norma tacked her challenges with Sarcoma from the start.

Sarcoma UK is a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the bone and soft tissue. It is difficult to diagnose and one of the hardest to treat. By supporting us, we can help change this- we can give someone their loved one for a little longer. Your donation will help researchers find answers, keep our Support Line open, and raise awareness to improve treatment and standards of care.

Thank you for your support, it is greatly appreciated by all of us.