In January 2025, we lost one of my dearest friends, Donna Mortimer, to cancer. She spent her final days at Highland Hospice, a place that provided her with immense comfort and care.

Donna was an amazing Godmother to my daughter Zara, she always had wise words. She would entertained Zara with her real life antics and mishaps. Highlighting no one is perfect

To honour Donna’s memory and the incredible care she received at Highland Hospice, my two daughters and I will be participating in the York Triathlon this August. Zara and Maiya will be taking part in their second triathlon on Saturday, 16th August, at the York Kids Fun Triathlon. I will be challenging myself with my first ever triathlon on Sunday, 17th August, at the York Triathlon.

We’re undertaking this challenge to raise funds for Highland Hospice, ensuring they can continue providing exceptional care to others as they did for Donna. Your support means the world to us.

Donna and I met in 2002 at the University of Leeds on her first day in Management Accounting. We instantly connected over our quirky sense of humour and shared love for mischief. Our lunch breaks were often filled with Pilates, swimming, or running around Hyde Park, but mostly, they were about belly laughter at something offkey and heartfelt conversations. Even during the toughest times, we found solace in sending each other silly messages, aiming to bring a smile to one another’s face.

In her last letters to me, Donna wrote, “two weirdos with a silly sense of humour,” perfectly encapsulating our bond. She inspired me to live life to the fullest, she would text “Remember to find your slice of joy today.” What she didn’t realise was that she was our slice of joy. It breaks my heart to think we have to spend the rest of our lives without my ‘offkey ’ buddy.

Thank you for helping us keep Donna’s spirit alive and supporting a cause close to her heart.