Running for Gill: Giving Back for a Lifetime of Extra Time

On July 4th, 2025, the world lost a truly warm, spirited, and wonderfully honest woman. My mam, Gill, lost her battle with cancer. She faced everything with remarkable courage and never lost her sense of humour, even when life gave her every reason to. Exactly one year later, I am launching this page to honour her final wish, to support the incredible people at Marie Curie who cared for her, and to celebrate a life that was nothing short of a miracle.

If you knew my mam, you knew she thrived on connection and purpose. She was the woman who loved long walks ending in a cafe coffee and cake, evenings laughing with friends, theatre shows, and a good dance. She was always the first to try the latest fitness craze, she always ordered the exact same dish at her favourite Thai restaurant, and she always spoke her mind with a twinkle in her eye. Above all, she adored her family, especially her grandson, Thomas.

Everyone knew how much she adored her family, but what many people didn't know was that in the early 1980s she received a life-saving kidney transplant. Without that incredible gift, our family wouldn't have had the next 44 years of laughter and memories, and I quite literally wouldn't be here today.

That transplant didn't just save her life. It gave her another 44 years to be a mam, a grandma, a friend, a colleague, a walking companion, a theatre-goer, a dancer, and a familiar face to everyone who knew and loved her.

In her final weeks, the team at Marie Curie Newcastle provided her with remarkable care and comfort. Before she died, my mam asked that we raise money for them so other families could receive that same vital support.

To honour her memory and her love for staying active, I’m dusting off my running shoes after a 20+ year break and taking on the Great North Run.

When I first told her I was considering doing it, true to form, she pretty much just laughed at me! Now every mile I run is a thank you for the extra 44 years we got with her, and a way to fulfil her final wish. Her absence leaves a huge space in our lives, but her spirit keeps us moving (even if she’s still laughing at the thought of me running). Please help me honour her by donating what you can to Marie Curie.

Thank you.

Chris