The first two photos were taken at the wonderful Isabel Hospice - the last time that I saw my best friend, three weeks before she lost her battle with cancer and less than two months after her devastating diagnosis. 

On this day I made many promises to Katy, one of which was to be a stronger person and attempt things that I didn't think possible. This half marathon on the 12th of June is the first.

I have never been an outdoor runner, preferring to hide away in the garage and run like a hamster on a treadmill but after a little persuasion (you know who you are...) I decided to go for it. I'm doing this for Katy and for Isabel Hospice, keeping my promise and hopefully raising money for a truly wonderful cause. I will be forever grateful for the love and care the staff gave Katy, and perhaps most importantly, for helping to make her feel safe.

Katy's strength was incredible. She was still smiling, beautiful, making me laugh like only she could - even in her final days when facing the unimaginable. She was simply amazing. Remembering her strength will get me round, however long it takes. Please donate if you can and wish me luck! 

'Best friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know that they're always there.'

Isabel Hospice provides palliative support to the 370,000 people who live in eastern Hertfordshire. Hospice care is about helping people to live well for as long as possible and have a good death in the place of their choice when the time comes. Without your help, we could not make this possible for our patients and their families. Each year we care for approx 2,000 people but we know there are even more people that need our help.