I'm running with #TeamStAnn's in the London Marathon 2026! St Ann’s (now called Moya Cole) provide incredible care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and supports their families and carers across Greater Manchester.

As many people know, I lost my mum too early at aged 61 to cancer in 2023. In her final weeks and months mum was cared for by the amazing doctors and nurses and all the other staff at St Ann’s Hospice Heald Green. I could not have wished for my mum to have received better care than she did at St Ann’s and they made the seemingly impossible possible and ensured my mum had her wish to have her final moments at home. Not only did my mum receive a lot of care and was extremely peaceful in St Ann’s, everyone at St Ann’s was incredibly kind to us and we received an amazing amount of support as a family leading up to and the weeks after mum’s passing.

In 2025 I have struggled hugely with grief and my mental health and some days I just cannot believe I have to navigate life without my mum who was my best friend and my number one cheerleader. I have had many moments of darkness and running has really been helping me to see the light and live as much as I can for her. I would like to thank my dad and my sister for getting me into running from nothing in Feb 2025 and encouraging me to keep going, I really would not be doing this without their support!

I would love the opportunity to give back what I can to this charity and I want to ensure as many terminally ill people and their families can get the same support we did even in the hardest of times and I am honoured to raise money and run in the London Marathon 2026 for St Ann’s hospice.

Here are some of the things your donation could help pay for:

£10.85 could help to continue providing TVs and WiFi for inpatients to enjoy during their stay.

£20.60 could pay for a hand or foot massage with one of their therapists to help a patient or carer relax.

£30.60 could pay for a bereavement session for a loved one with their specialist team.

St Ann's Hospice is a lifeline for many, but with only a third of their funding coming from the NHS, they need to raise £20,000 each day to continue providing their essential services and compassionate care.

I will be running in memory of my amazingly strong mum and just like the staff as St Ann’s I am so grateful to have the opportunity to make the seemingly impossible possible and raise as much money as I can so the incredible work that St Ann’s do can continue. Every pound helps and I am incredibly grateful for everyone’s support.

I know you’ll be with me every step of the way mum!

Bella x