Story
MILES FOR MARIE
On Friday 25th September, I will be embarking on a 24-hour physical challenge with the incredible community at Valkyrie HQ (https://valkyriehq.co.uk/) in memory of my sister, Marie, who lost her battle with Melanoma cancer on 11th March 2026. She was 38 years old.
This challenge is for her. 🧡
MY STORY
On 11th March 2026, I lost my beautiful baby sister, Marie. She was 38 years old, funny, vibrant, and so full of life.
Marie was only diagnosed in late December 2025. By the time she received that diagnosis, the cancer had already spread throughout her body - to her liver, her lungs, and her brain. We went from learning she was sick to losing her in just eleven weeks.
She fought so hard. She underwent immunotherapy treatment, and the day before she passed away, we received the most incredible news. It was working. So much of the cancer had gone. We went to bed that night full of hope.
That same evening, Marie suffered a bleed on the brain. It was inoperable. And devastatingly, she was gone.
🏃 THE CHALLENGE — MILES FOR MARIE
Over 24 continuous hours, our team will cover as many miles as possible by running, rowing, ski erg and bike erg. The gym will not stop. The clock will not stop.
I will be setting myself a personal challenge within the challenge (alongside some of my dearest gym friends): I will complete 5.4km at the very start of the event, and then a further 5.4km every 4 hours until the 24 hours are complete — a total of 38km. One kilometre for every year of Marie's life.
🎽 HOW TO GET INVOLVED — TAKE A SLOT
Anyone who wants to participate can take a 30-minute slot during the 24-hour period and contribute a minimum of £20 to do so (ensure you add your name if you wish to participate in the challenge to ensure I can track who's contributed).
You choose your discipline - run, row, ski erg or bike erg, and every metre you cover counts towards the team total.
All are welcome. No fitness level required. Just show up and give what you can (contact Jules if you’d like to get involved).
You are also welcome to simply donate for this amazing cause, and watch the rest of us suffer!
🎉 SATURDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER — JOIN US AT THE GYM
On Saturday 26th September, we are opening the doors to everyone - gym members, friends, family, and anyone who wants to come and show their support.
Alongside the challenge, there will be a full day of fundraising activities and party fun: cake sale, raffle, tombola, pay-to-play fitness challenges, food, music and much more. It is a community day and everyone is welcome.
You do not need to participate in the challenge to come along — just come, have fun, and help us raise as much as possible for a cause that means everything.
🧡 WHY THIS MATTERS
I am doing this challenge for two reasons.
The first is to raise awareness of Melanoma, because Marie's story shows just how quickly and silently this disease can take hold. I want to do everything I can to make sure no other family has to face what ours has.
The second is simply to honour her. Because my world is changed forever now that she is no longer in it, and this is the least I can do. To keep moving, keep going, and carry her with me every single mile.
If you can spare anything at all, please donate. Every pound raised matters, and every step I take, I take for Marie.
Please, please, please dig deep.
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit this page, it means more than you know.
Love Jules xxx