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The reason I'm running the London Marathon: 

In 2005, my amazing mum got diagnosed with Grade 2 breast cancer. It's something you think will never happen to your family or friends and was such a shock when it happened. My mum went through multiple appointments, X-rays, ultrasounds, operations and a course of radiotherapy, with the addition of taking Tamoxifen for the next 5 years. You would never know on the outside what my mum was going through, minus the tiny scar above her breast, as she's so strong and is always thinking of others before letting you care for her. As time went on, mum was given the all clear and the next 10 years went by. 

At the beginning of 2014, the unthinkable happened and my also amazing dad got diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. After being in and out of hospital appointments all year checking the growth of cancer, Dad had a Transurethral resection of the prostate operation in January 2015. The operation wasn't a massive success and he had to go in for a 2nd time to correct the damage. After the operation, dad now has to take Tamsulosin tablets and have a Decapeptyl injection every 3 months whilst waiting for 2016 to begin a course of radiotherapy. 

Who'd have thought to having their mum being diagnosed with cancer, to also having their dad diagnosed too. It definitely makes you realise how short life is and within a flick of a switch everything can change. 

Unfortunately for my mum it wasn't over just yet. After a 10 year gap and dad recently being diagnosed, mum went for her routine check up to find that the cancer had returned, but this time in both breasts. As radiotherapy was no longer an option, mum decided to have a double mastectomy and try everything to kick cancer out of her. She is still receiving treatment, has another 5 years of Tamoxifen and will be having her final reconstruction surgery (not Pamela Anderson size to our amusement) on the 30th of this month. 

My parents are so strong, to friends and family they rarely show any signs of pain. I would do anything in this world for my parents to have full health and happiness. For what my parents have been through and all other people suffering, I am going to do the London Marathon 2016 to raise awareness to such an amazing charity and support their research. I want people to know how devastating this disease is for both the sufferers and their families and to help those affected by it.

I couldn't run this marathon without also thinking of an amazing man that I was lucky enough to have met, worked with and call a friend, Ben Degg. Ben had the most infectious personality, kindest heart and the most beautiful family. In February 2014, after already overcoming a rare form of germ cell cancer in 2013, Ben was diagnosed with secondary lung cancer. The unimaginable and heart breaking happened this year & Ben lost his battle to cancer. I will be donating 1/3 of my raised money to St Luke's Hospice who helped Ben and supported his family, a charity that relies mainly on donations from the public to continue its amazing work.

Thanks to everyone who has read my story. Every penny is appreciated beyond belief and will help more than you know x