Hello, I’m Sacha, writing this little Just Giving description on behalf of me and my family - Ross, Naomi and Tamara (aka The Mulleys!!)

On the 27th of September 2024 we will be taking part in The London Night Hike to raise money for Maggie’s, the most amazing charity that has supported and continues to hold us through the most difficult time in our lives.

My 28-year-old sister Tamara was diagnosed with incurable Cholangiocarcinoma in December 2023 which came as a huge shock to our family. Anyone that knows Mara will know that she has faced cancer the only way she could, with strength and kindness beyond belief but - true to form - she hates ‘a fuss’ so I won’t harp on for pages (which I easily could) about how she has taken our breath away with her bravery and positivity. Instead, she wants me to tell you about Maggie’s and what they have done for us and so many other people impacted by cancer.

Maggie’s have 24 centres in the UK, one of which is on site at the Royal Marsden where Mara is receiving treatment. They provide free expert care and support in the most beautiful spaces that don’t feel anything like being in a hospital. Anyone who has experienced or supported someone through cancer knows how much time you have to spend in hospitals and it has been the greatest gift to have a safe space so close that we can just walk into at any time (and it doesn’t hurt that the Maggie’s centres are like being in a luxury hotel/ Grand Designs building!). I love getting pictures of Mara chilling on a sofa in her favourite Maggie’s room in between treatments (see pic above) or seeing my mum have a cup of tea with people who have been there from the start. It allows Dad to do some emails whilst we wait for Mara’s treatments to be made up and I love to go in the garden there. I urge you to look up some of their beautifully designed centres so you can see for yourself.

They also offer free specialist psychologists, specialist advice on treatment and living with cancer from healthcare professionals, alongside specific support for so many different needs, workshops and a sense of community. Amazingly, much of this doesn’t even require an appointment, meaning anyone impacted by cancer can start to get the support they need just by dropping in.

Immediately after Mara’s diagnosis, we were a bit lost and trying to work out what support we could get from where. We rang Maggie’s and my mum asked who could get support from them and if there was a limit, to which they replied ‘we have support for Mara and anyone who loves her, and for however long you need’.

I hope you can see why we want to raise money for Maggie’s so that the many people who unfortunately will be touched by cancer in their lifetime will hear those words too when they need them the most. Any donation, however big or small, would be so appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read our page!

Big love,

The Mulleys xx