Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have been (lovingly) roped into running the Sheffield 10k run on Sunday 29th September, which is quite a feat for me as someone who as never so much as run a 5k race in my life!

I will be doing this not only to challenge myself, but to raise money for two local charities very close to my heart, Weston Park Cancer Charity (via this page) and Sheffield Samaritans (link to this page here). I'd be so grateful if you could take a couple of minutes to read why, and spare a few pennies to help support the cause!

Why I am fundraising for Weston Park Cancer Charity

Two years ago, I lost my beautiful, kind, wise, completely wonderful and completely zany Nan (or 'Wendy', to most of Sheffield it seemed) to cancer. Getting our heads around a terminal cancer diagnosis for someone we were pretty sure was going to outlive us all was an incredibly difficult path to be confronted with, but as soon as she was in the safe hands of Weston Park, our local cancer hospital, a weight was lifted. They seamlessly organised her diagnostics, treatments, consultations, and support for that last year she was with us, and during her final hours of her life in their hospital I witnessed them provide her with the most compassionate, dignified care you would wish for any loved one.

In a strange and sad coincidence, during my training for the Sheffield 10k over the last few weeks I lost my Grandad very suddenly, also to cancer. He didn't live in Sheffield, and also didn't have the option to go into a specialist cancer hospital because there wasn't one. My family took phenomenal care of him in his final days, but I couldn't help but be reminded how much of practical and emotional support a dedicated, specialist cancer hospital can provide, not only for patients but for their families too.

This page and this run is to raise money in loving memory of my Nan, and now to Grandad too, and is a small token of thanks to Weston Park for everything they did to keep Nan with us for as long as they did. I will be thinking of them both every step of the race, shin splints and aching calves be damned.

I would be so grateful if you could spare a donation to help me give something back to this fantastic charity - every donation however big or small will be so gratefully received. And if you happen to be on the sidelines of the Sheffield 10k race on the day, I will say now that jellybeans and supportive hoots will also be gratefully received! :)

Thank you so much x

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Weston Park Hospital Development Fund is a registered charity, trading as Weston Park Cancer Charity (charity no. 509803). They provide free emotional and practical support, treatment and care for those living with cancer, as well as fund research, clinical trials and improving treatment.

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