Hello! We're Emma and Heather and we're running the Paris marathon for a cause which is very close to our hearts.
In 2015, one of our best pals lost her best friend.
Hatti was a bright, sparkling 23 year old when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer called spindle cell sarcoma. From the very beginning of this fight, Hatti showed a desire to look for the positive, sharing her experiences with searing honesty and rallying support from hundreds of people through the Smile for Hatti fundraising campaign.
Hatti passed away a year and three months after her initial diagnosis. In that time, she inspired everyone she touched with her determination to face an unfair hand with love, a smile and a deep compassion for others- as demonstrated by the #igavebloodhats campaign.
In her memory and at her request, her family and friends chose to work to bring some light to the lives of young adults living with cancer and to continue Hatti's campaign to encourage people to give blood.
This led to the creation of Smile from Hatti. The charity provides bespoke support for people aged 18-40 living with cancer, whether through the provision of treatments and services to ease symptoms or the delivering of special treats to spread a smile. Living with cancer can rob young people of their independence. Smile From Hatti exists to bring hope and light at a difficult time.
Now, from the story of one extraordinary woman to the tale of two distinctly average runners.
Despite a running history which includes one broken hip, multiple ill advised post run wines and a lot of tears both happy and savage, we will be running the Paris 26.2 on 14th April 2019. Through every mile, every chafe, every lost toenail and every emotional meltdown, we will be motivated by knowing that a) we've publicly declared that we're doing this to people who are not our parents and b) that people have given some of their hard earned dollars to an incredible cause.
When the going gets tough and we're pounding the pavements of various London parks and A roads ('sup south circular you big jerk), we're going to need this motivation. If you can, please donate and help Smile From Hatti spread even more joy.
