My dad, David, was strong, silly, generous, courageous and a million other wonderful things. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016; initially curable, a year later it became terminal, and he was given 18-24 months to live. He was referred to his local hospice in Blackpool, and received palliative care at home during the last 7 weeks of his life. He died on 11 March 2019, exactly a month before his 73rd birthday, pain-free, at home, surrounded by family.

The hospice arranged for Marie Curie to support us alongside their own care; we were incredibly lucky to have Marie Curie nurses do night sits in my parents' home a few nights per week. It's difficult to articulate how something that seems so basic is so vital; the Marie Curie nurses gave our family respite, enabling us to rest and recharge for the intense daytime duties of caring for a loved one who is terminally ill. They made my dad's final weeks and days comfortable and peaceful and helped him to have a good death, and we will always be so grateful.

I'm not a natural runner, but when my dad was ill, running became my solace; it was the only thing I could control and that made me feel good and strong. I knew it made my dad proud, too - towards the end of his life, when he was bed-bound, I did a 5k fun run and he beamed when I returned home with my medal.

Brighton Marathon 2026 is taking place on what would have been my dad's 80th birthday, so if that isn't a sign for me to take on my first ever marathon for the charity that cared for him so well, I don't know what is! I will look forward to crossing the finish line and celebrating in his name. 🏃‍♀️ 💪 ✨