I’m running this marathon in memory of my Granny, who passed away on 7th August 2015 from cancer. I was just 16 at the time, full of energy, fresh from sitting my GCSEs and on a memorable school rugby tour, when I got the call from my parents to tell me the news. I’ll never forget that moment, or the flood of memories that came straight after.

Granny was kind, thoughtful, and caring in a way that feels rare today. She looked after me and my brothers so well - cooking her famous sausage casseroles (always sneaking in extra bacon for us), slipping sweets or a bit of money into our pockets, and taking us on walks through Oldbury Woods, which is why autumn is still my favourite season. The song Somewhere Only We Know, which was played at her funeral, still brings all those great memories back.

I often wish I’d spent more time with her during her final months, but I carry her spirit with me every day. Even now, many of the values I look for and appreciate in people - kindness, warmth, and selflessness, come from her example.

As I run this marathon, I’ll be thinking of her every step of the way. This fundraising is for her. To raise awareness so that others can get checked earlier and spend more time with the people who love them most.

Thank you for supporting me and helping 40tude in their mission to detect and treat colon cancer early and to save more lives like hers.