In April 2025 I will be running my 25th London Marathon dressed is my usual Dizzyfizzy attire. This year feels like a milestone (pardon the pun) and so I really wanted to run for Young Lives vs Cancer to honour the memory of two children for whom I've previously run for and. Rory Walsh and Holly Bethell. Both Rory and Holly have changed my outlook on life and inspire me most days and I feel so honoured that their parents are happy for me to run in their memory and hope I do them proud.

Rory was the most gorgeous bundle of happiness that already showed a great love for dinosaurs through his infectious smile. He was diagnosed with cancer when he was just a few months old and tragically passed away at the age of just 10 months old in January 2020. Rory's parents, Amy and Matt, are quite remarkable and work tirelessly to raise awareness and funds so no other parents go through such unimaginable pain. They are an inspirational pair and last year sang live in London with Ted Lassos Phil Dunstar in London to raise money and awareness!

Holly was a sparky and bright 11 year old girl who shone both on the stage and in your company. It is Holly who first inspired my daughter Tabby to love the stage when she played Toad in the school production of Wind in the Willows and I shall always be grateful to her for that. I was fortunate enough to be doing the childrens' make up for the production and love how she kept begging me to make her greener!! She was diagnosed with cancer in March 2023 and heartbreakingly passed away just a month later. At the time, Holly was in year 6 at our prep school and her parents Karen and Bill both work at the school. I find their courage and constant kindness to others whilst they go through such pain so incredible and inspiring and I hope in times of darkness I can be like them.

I'm so aware that by running the marathon I am asking you for money each year but I do hope you know that this is the reason I run. I don't run because I'm good at it, those that have followed me for a while will know I'm rather useless at it. I run because I feel fortunate, I have 3 healthy children and am incredibly lucky to have a great extended family. I run marathons because I know I can and in doing so raise money for charity, so if I don't run them that's a waste for charity. I am sorry that I ask and please don't feel you have to sponsor me but any money donated is so so appreciated, it doesn't have to be large, just a pound adds up - I'll also write you a tale of the day afterwards as a thank you!!

If you would like to follow me on the day then I'm documenting it on instagram @fizzyfitnessmarathonmum

Thanks so much,

Fizzy xx

From Young Lives Vs Cancer - what they do:

When a child is diagnosed with cancer life becomes full of fear, for them and their family. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, overwhelming money worries, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. But every day 12 more children and young people hear the devastating news they have cancer. We’ll face it all together – but we can’t do it without you.

To find out more visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk