I am running the London Marathon in memory of two of the most inspirational and influential women in my life, both of whom we lost to cancer in 2017: my loving mother Wendy Koller and courageous sister in-law Phillipa Koller.   

This is also a race to honour the strength and love of my amazing brother Adam, my nephew Ethan (10) and niece Imogen (7) and of course Pippa’s family and my brilliant Dad.

In January 2017 we were devastated with the unexpected passing of my Mum. Mum was sadly admitted to hospital in December 2016 to be told the cancer she had battled to clear, had returned and its status was incurable.  Mum’s bravery, strength and courage in hospital were unbelievable and something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

In the weeks after mum passed away, the unthinkable happened. After a courageous 3 year battle, Pippa discovered that her cancer had also returned. It was advanced and again at an incurable stage. Pippa’s bravery and driving strength to provide her young family with continued love, care and adventures throughout 2017 whilst battling her illness was formidable. Pippa passed away in December aged 44 years old.

I feel that the marathon is the perfect choice to honour both Pippa, an accomplished sports woman, and my Mother, who’s dogged determination and ‘get up and go’attitude have inspired me to attempt this.

I have chosen Macmillan as a thank-you to the team at the Macmillan Cove Centre, Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, for the daily support they provided for my family and myself in mum’s last weeks.  I hope the money we raise will go towards making a difference in the lives of others tackling this awful disease. I cannot stress how much of a life-line these centers are.

My brother will be continuing to raise money for charities in memory of Pippa throughout 2018, so keep an eye out.

A big thank you to all the support provided by family and friends throughout 2017.

N x