In may 2021, my mum found a new mole on her leg and was diagnosed with melanoma. a type of aggressive skin cancer.

We never thought something so tiny and ignorable would grow into such a life changing problem.

She had multiple surgeries and a years worth of immunotherapy but the cancer still spread up her leg.

So she had a full lymph node dissection. A risky and life altering surgery but at least it would put end the battle.

Just 3 months later, in February of this year, it was discovered that despite best efforts, the cancer had traveled to both of her lungs and her spine.

After 7 months of further treatment and multiple complications: cellulitis, infections, blood clots and lymphoedema. It appeared to be over. The cancer had been held at bay.

But I probably wouldn't be doing this if that was true.

In October, she started having severe migraines, confusion and nausea. And after one particularly scary episode, she was taken to hospital by ambulance. That's when we knew that things were bad.

She was diagnosed with multiple brain metastases on the 13th of November. Brain cancer. So many tumors in her brain that they didn't even try and count.

And unfortunately, she passed away on Tuesday the 26th of November.

In honor of everything my mum has had to go through, as a testament to her legacy, and to show my support for everyone who is going through a similar situation. I'm going to be running a marathon next year for charity. Before she died, I promised her this and I fully intend to fulfill it.

I'm giving myself just twenty weeks, starting in December, to go from jogging a few kilometers every couple of months to being able to complete a full marathon.

If you want to show your support for me, please follow my Instagram, share it with your friends and consider donating to the fundraiser. I appreciate everything that each and every one of you can do.

Thank you all so much, and I'll see you very soon.