Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Many of you were generous enough to support my Birmingham Half Marathon exploits last year (which were very wet!) This year I’ll be running both the Great North Run on Sunday 8 September and the Great Birmingham Half on Sunday 13 October proudly wearing my orange T-shirt to raise funds and awareness for Myeloma UK, and to support my amazing friend Kate. Issy and Jacob will be running the junior events with Dave in support  - also all in orange! 

Kate and I met at uni and have been friends for 26 years (you’re right, we don’t look old enough). We’ve shared lots over the years, she is a fabulous friend, as well as a fantastic godmother and Auntie Katy to Isobel & Jacob. 

In August 2018 we received the devastating news that Kate had been diagnosed with myeloma. Myeloma is a type of blood cancer arising from plasma cells that are normally found in the bone marrow. It affects multiple places in the body where bone marrow is usually active. There is currently no cure for myeloma but it is treatable.  The disease is relapse remitting which means that periods of remission will be followed by the relapse of the myeloma & symptoms - and will require further treatment.  

Kate has endured a gruelling 12 months of treatment including weekly chemotherapy and 3 weeks in isolation in hospital in February when she underwent a stem cell transplant.  At the end of June Kate received the fantastic news that she is in complete remission with no signs of active myeloma. Which is fabulous! She will continue to be monitored closely and the next big milestone will be February 2020, the 12 month anniversary of her stem cell transplant. 

Throughout all of her treatment and the horrible debilitating side effects that Kate endured, she has never ceased to amaze me with her bravery, her positivity and her strength of spirit.  She has taught me a lot and is truly one inspirational lady, who I am proud that we have in our lives.   The impact of myeloma has been felt not just by Kate but those closest to her - by Martin - whose strength, love & courage has been truly amazing; by Kate’s parents Diane & Michael - who have been wonderful  support to all of the family; by Lily & Barnaby - who have a fabulous mummy & daddy & who are doing brilliantly. 

Thank you for whatever support you are able to give. All funds raised will help this fantastic charity to support Kate and others with myeloma, and importantly will help to fund research into alternative approaches to  treatment, clinical trials and ultimately to  help to find a cure for this horrible disease.