As many of you know this is a very important charity to me. In August 2022 I was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (an aggressive blood cancer). I was only 26 at the time, and was initially given approximately 3 days to live. You never expect to have health problems when you’re young, let along something this serious.

I’ve had an unfathomable amount of treatment over the last 3 years. Today, most people who meet me could never tell that I have spent 100 nights in hospital, lost my hair, still take multiple chemo tablets everyday and struggle to function when no amount of sleep compensates from the immense fatigue following so much treatment with innumerable side effects. Despite all of this going on, somehow you still have to find a way to navigate life. The second half of my 20s has been dedicated to battling cancer and the journey continues.

The consultants, doctors and nurses at the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre have been nothing short of exceptional in the way they’ve treated and supported me, and also thousands of other patients by providing top level care. Macmillan provides physical, emotional and mental support for cancer patients and their loved ones throughout the traumas of cancer, as well as funding research into new treatments for various cancers.

I still go to the UCH Macmillan Centre every week and it is always packed with people receiving support. It’s crazy how many lives are affected by cancer and with each hospital visit, I’m reminded of this. It feels apt to fundraise for a charity that plays a vital role in countless lives.

So I will be running the Royal Parks half marathon on 12th October in support of the charity. Not only is this a great chance to raise money for a good cause, it’s also a chance to prove that we’re all capable of pushing ourselves beyond what we think is possible and to achieve great things in one way or another - despite the challenges that we face in life.

Thank you for your support!