Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On Monday 24th October 2022, my wife Kathryn passed away following 4 years with Bowel Cancer. Over those 4 years she had 7 operations and received 3 courses of chemotherapy.

In the year since that day my daughter Alanna and I have tried to find our "new normal", and understand how our life will be. I won't pull any punches in telling you that at times it has been incredibly shit, and although through this time there has been better periods, the grief never leaves you.

Ironically also on Monday 24th October, about 2 and a half hours before Kathryn passed, I received an email to say that I had been successful in gaining a place in the Ballot for the 2023 London Marathon. At this point Kathryn was unresponsive but I still told her of the news and I imagined how much she would have been laughing at me as she knew that longer distances were certainly not my forte when it came to running

After some "widow-brain" activity I have been given a "guaranteed entry" for the event that tales place on Sunday 21st April. Its going to be massive. The truth is I've never run further than a half marathon, and my fitness has taken a beating over the last 2 years, but I'm determined to get around.

Although its not a charity place I shall be raising money for Shine Cancer Support. They are an incredible charity who assisted Kathryn immensely over the years. Unfortunately being such a small charity, they do not receive London Marathon spots like many charities you know therefore the money I raise will have a truly massive impact.

Thank you, Richard

About Shine Cancer Support

There’s never a good time for a cancer diagnosis but in your 20s, 30s or 40s, there are particular challenges to navigate, like work, dating, finances and more. At Shine, we’ve been there and we get it. We’re here to help you deal with everything that your diagnosis brings – before, during and after treatment – and to welcome you into our community.

https://shinecancersupport.org/

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