On the 6th March 2021, my beautiful mum and best friend died. She had been unwell for as long as I can remember, having had breast cancer, two strokes, diabetes, osteoporosis, and arthritis. On top of this she had been battling a rare form of chronic leukaemia for 11 years, which required her to take medication daily with horrible side-effects. At the start of 2021, she was admitted into hospital with a pulmonary embolism, likely caused by her leukaemia, and acquired Covid whilst there. Before she was put on a ventilator, she asked the doctor to tell us that she would fight as hard as she could to survive, which we know she did, just as she had been fighting for years before. 

Mum was in pain every day and went through more in her life than any person should have to, but she kept going. She consistently put others first, did everything for me and my sister to give us the best possible lives, and doted on my two nephews. She fought against injustices and gave her time to helping people in the community, whether that be establishing and running a youth club for disadvantaged children or volunteering at Citizens Advice. So, whilst the thought of running this marathon is terrifying, I know it will be a walk in the park compared to what mum went through...

I will be running the marathon for Blood Cancer UK who fund research to help beat blood cancer, as well as supporting people affected by it. Right now, they are funding 360 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. The day we will beat blood cancer is now in sight and the researchers are determined to finish the job.

It's been 18 months since mum died but I still miss her all day, every day, just as my dad and sister do. Anytime something happens in my life, big or small, I want to tell her and there are times when I forget and think I'll just give her a ring. By running this marathon and making as much money as possible, I hope I can help to stop other people losing their loved ones too soon.