My Challenge

On 26th April 2026, I will be taking part in the London Marathon. After being one of the lucky few to get a spot through the open ballot, I knew immediately that I wanted to use this opportunity to give back. This isn't just about a personal goal; it’s about saying thank you to the charity and hospital that have supported my family through the most difficult three years of our lives.

Our story

In July 2023, just after his 5th birthday, my son Oscar was diagnosed with a brain tumour. We were rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where Oscar immediately underwent surgery to remove the mass. The surgeons were incredible, successfully removing 95% of the tumour. Oscar’s road to recovery was long and gruelling. Once strong enough after surgery, Oscar had to start an intense treatment program, as unfortunately the cancer had also spread to his spine.

Just a few things he has had to endure…

* 9 hour emergency brain surgery

* Surgery to fit a double port Hickman line

* Surgery to fit a PEG feeding tube

* 8 weeks of introductory chemotherapy at Addenbrookes hospital

* 7 weeks at University College London Hospital, 5 days a week, receiving twice a day proton beam radiotherapy. Oscar had to go under general anaesthetic once in the morning and once in the afternoon- he was the first (and still the only!) child to go through this at UCLH.

* 12 months of high-dose chemotherapy at Addenbrookes hospital

* 36 blood transfusions

* Almost 100 doses of general anaesthetic

* Countless hospital stays due to infection

* Numerous MRI scans

Throughout it all, the needles, the scans, and the endless side effects, the nurses, doctors, play experts, and teachers at Addenbrooke’s made the unbearable bearable. Despite everything, Oscar faced every single day with a smile and a laugh. He is the most resilient and brave little boy. We are incredibly proud.

Where we are now?

In November 2024, Oscar finally got to ring the bell at Addenbrookes to celebrate the end of his treatment.

Whilst the high-dose treatment has left Oscar with life long challenges to manage, and many many check ups and visits to hospital, he continues to face everything with the same strength and determination he showed throughout his cancer treatment.

Why I’m running…

I am running to say thank you. Thank you to the medical teams who saved him and continue to look after him, the play experts who kept and continue to keep him smiling, and the friends and family who have held us up.

I also want to run for my other little hero, Alfie, Oscar’s younger brother, who has been so strong for his big brother throughout this journey. He is regularly separated from us all and getting passed from person to person whilst we managed and continue to manage time in hospital with Oscar.

Please help me raise money for Addenbrooke’s Charity Trust (ACT). They do life-changing work for children going through the unimaginable, and every penny helps them support the next family in need.

Thank you for your support! xx