Last year, my wonderful sister Anne died from cancer.

She deserved so many more years with her adoring family and friends and we all feel her loss immensely.

From the point of diagnosis, Anne was courageous, brave and endlessly optimistic, even through everything she faced. She believed in a positive fight and remained grateful for all she did have.

Thanks to groundbreaking research, she was given four extra precious years—time that meant everything to her and to all of us.

She truly believed that a cure would be found, and that ongoing research is what will get us there. She even used to say she felt honoured to play her part, calling herself a “guinea pig” for the pioneering work that gives hope to so many people.

Last year I ran my first marathon for her. When I was hitting “the wall” at 20 miles she Facetimed and propelled me to the finish line, reminding me, in her usual positive, can-do manner, that it was just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other. She was a complete inspiration and will always remain so.

This year I am running in it her memory and raising money for cancer research so we can keep the hope for a cure alive and give other those extra treasured years.

Any small donation would be gratefully received because of the difference it can make to so many who are trying to live with cancer and for those who support them.

Thank you in advance.