In memory of our Nan, Christine Charlish

My cousin Ben, Alex and I are running the Reading Half Marathon to raise money in memory of our much-loved Nan, Christine Charlish.

Nan was a massive part of our lives and truly the heart of our family. We miss her every day, and life hasn’t been the same without her.

We wanted to take on the half marathon to challenge ourselves, keep Nan’s memory alive, and do something we know she would be proud of us for.

Nan was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called myelofibrosis and was cared for by the incredible team in the Haematology Department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. In her memory, and in gratitude for the care, kindness and support the team gave her and our family, we are raising money for the U501 Haematology Department Fund at the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH)

The Haematology team at the RBH have shared the following:

The Royal Berkshire Hospital has a dedicated team of Consultant Haematologists, doctors, specialist nurses and support staff who care for patients with haematological conditions, many of which are cancers.

We had the privilege of caring for Christine Charlish when she was diagnosed with myelofibrosis in April 2022. Myelofibrosis is a rare type of blood cancer that affects blood cell production by causing scarring (fibrosis) in the bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside your bones where blood cells are made.

While there is no cure, it is usually treated with daily medication to help people live as normal a life as possible for as long as possible. In younger patients, a bone marrow transplant may be an option.

Christine received treatment and care for three and a half years before she sadly passed away in December 2025.

The Haematology Department Fund helps the team provide better care and support for patients like Christine and their families. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference.

Please donate and/or share if you can to help us raise money in Nan’s memory. Thank you so much for your support ❤️