In 2019, I lost my dear Grandad to lung Cancer and he inspired me to give something back. A matter of days after he passed, I wrote my London Marathon application. Which was ironic really because just over 1 week prior, I was telling him I was going to enter London Marathon to raise money for Cancer. To which he patted me on the arm and said “That would be lovely darling, thank you”.

Fast forward through Covid- a cancelled London Marathon 2020 and my own health problems to London Marathon 2023. I was finally there on the start line after all those years of bearing the weight of this but I was there to do it for my Grandad and for a charity close to our hearts.

The lead up to this had been beyond exhausting. The relentless training, juggling life, work and running. Along with trying my upmost to raise as much money as possible to help those battling cancer. That part, the fundraising, it stayed with me. It touched me beyond belief- The people I met, the stories they told about how charities had helped them personally, with their own cancer battle and also how charities had helped families as they battled through cancer together.

It's very humbling and brings you "back down to earth" and shows you what's really important. It also highlights how important these charities are to people every single day, including my family.

When my Grandad was very unwell, he was taken to Sue Ryder, St John's Hospice and whilst they were caring for him so wonderfully, we would go and visit. One day he turned to me and said "We don't have to pay for this, it's all free- Can you believe it? It makes you want to give them all of your money doesn't it?". From that moment I knew I had to give something back.

So here we are, post my successful completion of London Marathon 2023 but still with a desire to keep giving back and to thank the charity that gave us some wonderful happy memories in some of our families darkest days.

We will be eternally grateful to St John's Hospice for the time we had with Grandad there. The beautiful gardens, the Koi carp pond and the planes flying over Shuttleworth. It is because of the work you do, that you make those dark days a little bit brighter.

So here's for round 2 and hopefully a smoother journey to the start line than in 2023 but one thing is for sure- "It's hard to beat a person that never gives up!".

I know it's a lot to ask after doing this last year but it would mean so much if you could help support this wonderful charity and one that is so close to our families heart.

So thank you for reading, I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.

I won’t let you down!