I’m taking on the Manchester Marathon this Sunday to raise funds for the Head and Neck Cancer department at East Lancashire Hospital Trust Royal Blackburn.

Training hasn’t exactly been textbook so this fundraiser has come together a bit last minute, mainly because I wasn’t entirely convinced my body would actually make it to the start line in one piece!

But here we are—injuries behind me, miles in the legs, and ready to give it a proper go. Any support would mean a huge amount and will keep me going when it gets tough out there!

WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

We are appealing for your support to help to create a a welcoming retreat on the Head and Neck Ward at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital.

As some of you know my Mum spent several weeks on the ward after her first surgery in 2024, and another three weeks on the ward after her second surgery in October last year.

She was incredibly grateful for all the care and support that she and our family received from the ward staff, as well as the wider Head & Neck cancer team. As she began to recover from the initial trauma of the surgery and was able to walk short distances, it became clear how much she would have benefited from a ‘Patient’s Retreat’ area — somewhere with more comfortable seating and a calming environment during what was a very stressful and challenging time.

I know that the addition of such a space will be greatly appreciated by other Head & Neck cancer patients on the ward and will have a meaningful impact on their recovery.

The Patient’s Retreat is currently being developed and has already been redecorated, with more comfortable chairs and furniture in place. However, additional funding is needed to complete the transformation into a truly calming and welcoming space with additional items & muted lighting to create a more homely feel. So that head and neck cancer patients, carers, family and friends are able to retreat, relax and take time to reflect on their journeys. The room will also be somewhere where Doctors can have confidential and sometimes sad discussions with patients loved ones.

Any donations will go towards providing the finishing touches to a project that has already begun.