I'm going to be running my first 10k in Bristol next month for Marie Curie cancer care in memory of my mum Mary, who sadly passed away from cancer a few years ago. Here's a little piece about the charity that I've copied from a previous just giving page: 

'As many of you know I lost my mother Mary to cancer a few years ago now. Mum wanted to stay in the comfort of her own home during her last days and Marie Curie helped make this possible for her.

During the last couple of months it was extremely exhausting and difficult caring for my Mum, but a handful of dedicated, friendly and caring Marie Curie nurses helped tremendously in allowing us to have a break, get some sleep and know that our mum was safe in the hands of experts while we were able to just relax for a night. 

The Marie Curie nurses are paid entirely by charitable funding and do a fantastic job in helping alleviate some of the upset, stress and lack of sleep that carer's for cancer patients deal with, and they deserve all the thanks and donations they can get.

The nurses we had caring for mum went beyond the call of duty of what most would expect from an overnight nurse. They kept her entertained by looking through her holiday photos, listening to her life stories and anything else she felt she wanted to do. Its this sort of extra care that not only keeps suffering people as happy as possible in their final days, but exhibits an inherent concern for their patients welfare that makes the nurses so special.  

This page will also be used for further fundraising plans we have in the future, but for now, its process is purely to encourage people to give to Marie Curie for my birthday with whatever money they would usually be so kind as to buy me a present or a drink with. 

"Marie Curie Nurses make it possible for people with terminal cancer and other illnesses to have the choice of spending their final days at home.

By making a donation in Mary's memory, you will help more terminally ill people and their families access free care from Marie Curie Nurses at a time when they need it most."

Thank you for your support.'