March always brings my late parents, the wonderful Jim and Joyce Gibb, to the forefront of my memory; once commemorating not only my dad’s birthday, but also the couple’s wedding anniversary. It also tragically became a time of loss however, with my mum passing on at the hands of cancer in the very same month. With this in mind, alongside the 30th anniversary of my dad’s death and the recent passing of my Uncle Ernie Gibb, both taken by the same illness as my mum, I was motivated to push myself to do something I’d never attempted before: a walking marathon, in support of a cause so near and dear to my heart.

To me, the prospect of walking a marathon is mad- I even conditioned Harry the dog to turn back homeward after approximately 5 minutes of nightly walkies. But with the help of my team, Ronnie’s Ramblers, commemorating the brilliant Ronnie McIntee another remarkable life lost to cancer- I’m determined to achieve something I never thought I could.

I’ll be fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support throughout this process, a cause that aids and commemorates not only the memory of loved ones passed, but the inspiring vitality of my family and friends that conquered the disease. If they have the strength to beat cancer, surely I can get through a walking marathon.

I’d be so grateful if you could spare a donation for this cause, to motivate me through this immense challenge and to stand with past, present and future loved ones in the face of this cruel illness.