I am lacing up my running shoes and tackling my biggest challenge (and fear) by running the London Marathon to raise funds for the Cancer department at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. 

My world was turned upside down again last year as my Mum told me the news that her cancer has returned for a third time. I felt numb as my worst nightmares had come true. But instead of worrying, my Mum continues to remain strong and is determined to battle the disease. Mum is currently undergoing some tailored chemotherapy thanks to the great staff at the Churchill, and although the side effects are horrendous, she continues to battle on with a smile on her face. Mum’s strength and bravery are truly remarkable, and I want to embark on this marathon challenge to do something positive during this difficult time. I’ve chosen to raise money for the Oncology department at the Churchill Hospital, as my Mum has always received such good care and support from all the doctors and nurses, and they will no doubt continue to care for Mum, and all the thousands of other cancer patients in Oxford, as she faces the latest round of cancer-blasting treatment. 

I will be organising a host of fundraising activities to help me reach my target, including raffles, quiz nights, cake bakes and more, and if you’re able to dig deep and sponsor me, it will certainly help motivate me to reach the finish line after 26.2 miles of blood, sweat and tears. 

ALSO…

For every £5 you donate, you can pick a song to go on my running playlist! Simply state which song you’d like me to listen to (be nice, no Eiffel 65 or Cliff Richard please) and I’ll include it in the playlist.

If you donate £25 of more, I will dedicate a mile of the marathon to you. So if I'm digging deep as I hit "the wall" at mile 19, I'll focus on your support and imagine you shout "keep going, Erika!" to help get me around the course. Mile 26 and the finish line are, of course, dedicated to Mum. 

Thank you so much for your support.