Back in early 2000, my mother called the night doctor as she believed I was showing symptoms of meningitis. First thing in the morning, I walked through the door and before I had even sat down, my GP took one look at me and said "you have Hodgkin's Disease". I said words to the effect of "is that cancer" and he said "yes". That was a Tuesday. By the Friday, I was already having tests in hospital and was told I would need a regime of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy in order to survive. I had one question..."will I lose my hair?". The consultant said "yes". I said "well I don't want chemo then". He said "OK, but if you don't, you will die". So after much agonising I accepted the treatment, but only if it could start after my planned trip to the USA for an impending dance event. He reluctantly agreed. I spent my 21st birthday bald. It's now 2021 and 21 years later, I'm here creating this fundraiser knowing that my mum Robin wasn't so lucky and despite the best efforts of all at The Royal Marsden in Sutton, she died from non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma 10 years ago to the day that this event will take place. Dad sits at home, quite happy and healthy after surviving colon cancer and a successful colostomy bag reversal. My Aunt sits at home alone grieving for the loss of my Uncle who had prostate cancer. So you can see, cancer has affected every part of my life and so many people in it. I was so excited to receive a leaflet in the post promoting this event. I went to apply, only to find it was fully booked. So I am delighted to have subsequently received a cancellation spot. The date is very poignant seeing as Mutti took her last breath on this date 10 years ago. And since it's 21 years since my own success story, it would be fantastic if I can meet my fundraising goal of £2100...£100 for every year of my life since my diagnosis to date. So if you can spare anything at all to help me reach my target, I would really appreciate it! I'll be walking a 26 mile marathon (not running it, phew) so it's going to be a long day but I know it will be worth every step! Huge thanks in advance to everyone who is able to contribute in any way, however great or small! :)

*Edit! Due to overwhelming support, I've increased my fundraising target to £3000! *Humbled*!