Update December 2022:

On the 26th of August, Caroline passed away at home being held and loved by family, her favourite songs playing in the background, and most valued memories read to her.

The Christmas Day run was something that Caro loved - not only because it was raising money for an incredible cause but because it was a special day spent with some incredibly special people.

We will all be running again - remembering our lovely Caroline, and again, will be extremely grateful for any donations to the Princess Alice Hospice.

Lot's of love, Team Te Aika

Update December 2021:

I am very glad to report that another year on, I’m still here and relatively well and strong. I have ongoing monthly treatment, and  aim to be here with my family and friends for as long as possible. It is my intention to make an annual tradition out of the Christmas morning 5K run for as long as I can physically do it.

I don’t Anticipate fundraising to the same extent, but would still be very grateful of any donations to the Princess Alice hospice. Lots of love, Caroline  XXX

Original story:

In August 2019, at age 47, completely out of the blue, I had a seizure and was quickly diagnosed with a grade 4, incurable, brain tumour.

Being practical in nature, I was very concerned with how my husband and children would cope when it got to the end of my life, and so I got in touch with the Princess Alice Hospice in Esher - near where I live. Fortunately following a marathon of treatment (neurosurgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) I am still relatively well 16 months post diagnosis. But realistically, I know this can’t last very long. And I have great comfort from knowing that there will be compassionate care available to me, and others like me, when the time comes.

I have always enjoyed running and found it a great help for my physical and mental health. And so throughout my treatment I have continued to run - not the distance or time that I used to but in some shape or form nonetheless.

And so this Christmas, Christmas 2020, my wonderful running buddies and I will run 5km together (Socially distant compliant) on Christmas Morning and are fundraising for Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. If you feel able then we will be very grateful of any donation that you can make to this extremely good cause.

Merry Christmas to you all!