Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I'm a member of a wonderful business group, The Oxford Collective. When they floated the idea of taking on the TV-inspired obstacles of Rough Runner to raise money for our local Maggie's Centre I had to say yes!

As most of you probably already know, my partner in crime/life/motorsport, Craig Dawson, died in December 2010 in Oxford's Churchill Hospital. At the time, Maggie's Oxford was an unassuming portacabin in the car park. I first visited them during one of Craig's most complicated admissions. I simply didn't know what to do next or whom I needed to speak to ensure he was getting the best possible treatment. About 30 seconds after I opened the door I burst into tears and was scooped up by their amazing team, armed with tea and tissues. They gave me the numbers to call, the names I needed to know and the reassurance that I wasn't on my own in this. 

During Craig's treatments, he would regularly receive encouraging yet practical voicemails from his Aunty Felicity. She was involved in her local Maggie's Centre at Addenbrookes and encouraged me to use their services whenever I needed - even if Craig wasn't too bothered. She showed me great kindness and respect every time I met her, and I never really got to thank her enough for this. So in a way, this run isn't just about Craig, it is about the kindness of strangers too.

Maggie's is now a beautiful permanent feature at the Churchill, where strangers can come for kindness and leave as friends if they want to. The first time I walked into the new building two years ago, I had another big post-entry cry. Even though it had been years since cancer had changed my life by taking Craig's so cruelly, I still needed that cup of tea and tissues. I don't think that will be the last time either - so I'm donning the lycra again to make sure there are always plenty of teabags and tissues. For me, and to show kindness to strangers who need it.

Thank you so much for reading, and in advance for any donations!

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