Talitha's Story

After Talitha was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year, she went through bouts of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which had initially appeared to have been successful. However, Talitha’s cancer had unfortunately spread to her lungs and lymph nodes, and in July 2017, she bravely announced that she had been deemed incurable by doctors.

On 25th July 2017, Talitha posted the following status on her Facebook page: “So as all my close friends and family know my cancer has sadly spread to my lungs and lymph nodes and I am now classed as incurable. I am about to start chemotherapy indefinitely. However, having said all that I'm not letting it get me down and actually am enjoying having the control back again. Life takes many a twist and turn and I am a firm believer in everything happening for a reason - even if I don't understand it. Cancer you may be in my body but you do not define me!”

On 14th June 2018, Matt shared the following on Facebook:
“With a broken heart and to let friends know, Talitha peacefully passed away in her sleep. Talitha never showed any fear in the face of adversity and kept that contagious smile right up until the end. I’m very proud of her and proud to have been a significant part of her life. Such a beautiful and gentle soul. One in a billion. I’ll miss you Talitha but know you’ll watch over me.”

Talitha's Titans

Talitha’s Titans consist of Talitha’s husband, Matt, Matt’s brother and wife, Rob and Livi, along with Talitha’s friends; Adam, Hannah, Will, Callum, Hannah, Ozzie, Lucy, Cumber, Mitch, Tim and Dina. It also includes anyone who wishes to take part in fundraising activities on behalf of Talitha and all for this cause. We were incredibly saddened to learn of Talitha's condition and set up the Titans to show her how much we supported and loved her. 

The unit that Talitha received all her treatment from is funded by Macmillan, so when we asked her which charity she wanted us to raise money for, it was an obvious choice for her to make. Together, the Titans are completing a series of challenges, walks and fundraising events to give back to Macmillan.

Challenges completed

Nuts Challenge: September 2017
A group of 15 of Talitha's friends, including her husband Matt, completed the Nuts Challenge 2017. 

Tough Mudder Half: September 2017
Callum's brother Jordan completed Tough Mudder Half in the cold along with a team to support Talitha's Titans. Jordan was joined by friends Catherine, Robert and Josh, who completed the challenge in memory of their sister Jenny and raised money for MacMillan through the Titans page.

MacMillan's World's Biggest Coffee Morning: September 2017
Some Titans arranged coffee and cake sales to coincide with MacMillan's national Coffee Morning.

Half Marathon, Ise City, Japan: December 2017
Titan Greg Perry ran with 29 others to complete the Ise City Half Marathon, home of one of the most sacred shrines in Japan.

The National Three Peaks Challenge, September 2018
Callum, Adam, Ozzie, Will and Cumber embarked on the Three Peaks Challenge, with the help of two designated drivers: Hannah and Hannah. The group were delighted to welcome Rose and Paul, Talitha's parents, along for the journey who proved to be a huge support. 

Great North Run: September 2018
On Sunday 9th September, Matt and Talitha's friend Sophie ran the Great North Run in memory of Talitha.

Donating to MacMillan

Fundraising is hugely important to Macmillan. Without people doing events, running marathons, climbing mountains, and donating in all the other ways that you can, Macmillan wouldn’t exist. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails.