On Sunday 3rd October 2021 I am going to be embarking on my biggest challenge yet when I run the London Marathon. 

I am so grateful to have been awarded a charity place through the Princess Alice Hospice as I am so indebted to them for the compassion, care and support they gave to my mum and our whole family during the final few months of her life.

In May 2014, my whole world was turned upside down when my mum was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and told there was no longer anything they could do to treat her. The cancer had spread and the doctor explained that it was already very advanced and we should make the most of our last few weeks together. She was just 56. Mum had battled cancer at this point for many years and throughout she had shown such determination to beat it. I was broken but knew I needed to stay strong for her and for my siblings. As the oldest of 4 children, and having cruelly already lost my dad 15 years previously, I focused everything on trying to be positive whilst supporting mum and the rest of my family. This is where Princess Alice came into their own. 

Shortly after receiving the devastating news, I made contact with Princess Alice. I had no idea what to do in these circumstances and needed support and advice. They were amazing from day 1 and now it’s my turn to give back and thank them for all they did. 

It’s taken me several years to do this as I still feel so much pain but as I approach the next milestone (my 40th 😬), it feels like the right time. This next decade of my life is not one I am looking forward to, having lost my dad in his early 40s and then having seen my mum battle cancer in her late 40s. 

In 2018, I joined a local running group. Although I already had a relatively healthy lifestyle,  I knew I needed to do more exercise to do everything I could to prevent myself from not being there to see my 2 beautiful children grow up. It wasn’t easy to begin with and I’ve had my struggles along the way but now I can’t imagine my life without running. Despite this, I have never run a marathon and this will be my first. To be honest at the end of a half marathon I’m grateful to have survived so the thought of running that distance again is a little terrifying!!!

I have pledged to raise £3,000 for the Princess Alice Hospice and know first hand how vital these funds are. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on charities being able to raise much needed funds and it costs Princess Alice Hospice £10.3 million each year to provide this care. They completely rely on the support of donations to fund the care they give so this year, more than ever, they need all the support they can get.  

Please support me to support Princess Alice. I cannot describe how much it would mean to me. Every penny I raise will go straight towards supporting families, like mine, in a time of devastation and crisis. 

I promise to give this my very best shot. My training is going well and I’m feeling strong. Your donations will definitely spur me on and keep me going through some tough training ahead!

Thank you, Louise x

A message from the Hospice:

Care for families when they need it most. Princess Alice Hospice provides a comprehensive range of services that respond to the individual needs of patients and their families, so that they can live life to the full, create memories, share special moments and when the time comes, support them through, before and after the death of a loved one.It costs us £10.3 million each year to provide free, high quality specialist end of life care to tens of thousands of people with life threatening illnesses. We rely on wonderful supporters like you to help us to generate thousands of pounds through participating in Virgin Money London Marathon.