I find it hard to find the right words for what to write here. My mum had bowel cancer. She called me to say that she had signed up for an experimental treatment that might help her. After hours of research online I was at first excited that there was hope for her but then came across the devastating news that she had only qualified for the treatment because she had less than three months to live. When I called my mum about it she said that it simply wasn't true and there was hope for her and I shouldn't worry. I wish she had been right but she died in May 2012.

I really wish that mum had been able to start the experimental treatment. I know she really wanted to help other people affected by bowel cancer. Even though she couldn't I am running the London Marathon to try and raise money to help the cause. 

I was a keen runner in my youth (there is an all England silver medal for cross country running buried somewhere in my dads house) which was something mum hugely supported me in and she drove me to courses round the country. But running is not something I have continued with in my twenties - and now thirties. My mum always thought that people who ran the marathon were slightly insane - probably slightly true in my case. She was incredible and I am lucky to have had such an amazing woman in my life. 

If you can give anything at all towards the cause it would be much appreciated.

Thanks so much 

Em

We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity.We fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.We’re here to stop people dying of bowel cancer.