Last year my Mum's partner, Alan, was diagnosed with stomach cancer and very sadly passed away just six weeks later on 13th November 2021. Alan experienced no symptoms until October 1st when he felt something wasn't right but already the cancer had spread so much. We all wish it had been detected sooner but it is common for stomach cancer to only present itself when it has already spread to other parts of the body. It's been extremely difficult to see Mum go through losing someone she loved once again.

It all happened so fast there was no time to process anything. The sudden and shocking loss has been completely devastating to my Mum, Alan's family, friends and former colleagues. During Alan's short battle with cancer, Rennie Grove were incredibly helpful and supportive, and they've continued to support my Mum since. I wanted to repay Rennie Grove for their continued care, and I ran seven marathons in six weeks in Alan's memory.

I met Alan in early 2020, weeks before the pandemic happened, and it was clear to see how happy Alan and my mum were together. Alan, who had recently retired from the London Ambulance Service, dedicated his life to helping others. Very quickly he became a part of the family; always helpful, very friendly and laid back, and he was great with my young nieces and nephews. Mum and Alan moved in together in the summer of 2021 before Alan was cruelly taken just a few months later. I wish there was more time to have got to know Alan more, but he and Mum made some great memories in the time they did have together and he will be remembered by us all.

What has made this even more heartbreaking is that back in 2004 our Dad very suddenly passed away, leaving Mum with four children to help raise, which she was so strong in doing. The fact she's had to go through losing someone she loved again is incredibly cruel and incomprehensible.

Running marathons has become a bit of a hobby of mine since completing my first in 2016, however running seven in six weeks is something I had never even thought of attempting! The first was the London Marathon on 2nd October, and the final 42.2km stretch in Athens on November 13th - on the one-year anniversary of Alan's passing.

Every penny donated goes to Rennie Grove Hospice Care, who provide care and support for adults and children diagnosed with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, along with their families, in the Bucks and Herts area. During Alan's illness, Rennie Grove provided equipment for the house, sent nurses to visit, and were also in the process of securing a bed at a local hospice.

Thank you so much for your donations, and support. I've been overwhelmed by everyone's generosity during this challenge! My page donations will be sent directly to the charity in a fast and secure way. It's efficient, saves time and cuts costs for the charity. In addition, all entry fees, travel etc. were paid by myself.

The seven marathons (and finish times) were:

Oct 2nd - London, UK (3:57:06)

Oct 9th - Chicago, USA (3:57:16)

Oct 16th - Chelmsford, UK (3:55:02)

Oct 23rd - Abingdon, UK (3:55:13)

Oct 30th - Pumpkin Plod, Huntingdon, UK (3:56:25)

Nov 6th - Enigma Fireworks Marathon, Milton Keynes, UK (3:53:43)

Nov 13th - Athens, Greece (3:53:33)

What a six weeks!