In 2022, my auntie Rawda was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer, which required her to undergo major surgery and chemotherapy.

Rawda is the strongest and most accomplished woman I know; a true community leader and trailblazer. She has recently been elected Mayor of Abingdon, the first ever Arab woman to hold this prestigious position. She is passionate about using her influence to help the local community, in alignment with her passion for advocacy and uplifting those around her.

Alongside the care she devotes to her local community, she has also cared for me as if I were her own. She has always supported me, given advice and guidance, and always driven me to be the best version of myself. She has been instrumental in all of my life achievements, and I view her as a mother figure.

When she needed help and support going through cancer, the Oxford Colon Cancer Trust (Occtopus) was there for her every step of the way.

The charity pioneers new treatments for colorectal cancer, colitis, and Crohn’s and influences how they are treated across the NHS. The charity also funds breakthrough national and international research to improve patient outcomes and care, and were absolutely fundamental in giving her invaluable care and support throughout her cancer journey.

To honour her journey, and to give back to the incredible Occtopus charity, I’m running the Oxford Half Marathon on Sunday 12th October 2025.

Every week, almost 1000 individuals within the UK receive a diagnosis of bowel cancer (NBOCA 2024). My goal is to raise £750 for Occtopus, which will be directly used to fund their invaluable support and research, which has brought light and hope to so many.

It would mean the world to me if I could, in some small way, repay the never-ending debt of gratitude I have for the support they have given my auntie and countless other individuals. Will you help me raise £750 so Occtopus can support even more people facing colorectal conditions.