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My Name is Emma and I am taking part in the Dubai Half Marathon this time next week.

If you had said to me a year ago today that I was about to do this I would have laughed at you.  I couldn’t run for a bus, it took me a year and I still hadn’t achieved couch to 5k, moreover I didn’t have a reason to do it… yeah I wanted to get fit but would never have the motivation to do a h.a.l.f. m.a.r.a.t.h.o.n!!!!!!!! 

The in March / April this year all that changed when my darling, bubbly, beautiful friend Rebecca got diagnosed with Breast Cancer. At the time she was pregnant with her 3rd child and the news was devastating.  Not only did she have to digest the news and take in her situation.. wife, daughter, mother, only 30 years old with her whole life ahead of her, she had to deliver her baby 2 weeks early to start her treatment.  

After the birth of Annabelle and before her first Chemo session I relocated to Dubai with work and I will never forget saying goodbye to her, not knowing when I would see her next and seeing the fear in her eyes - I have to say it was the hardest goodbye. At that point I knew no matter how much distance there was between us I would be there in any way I could.  I knew the time difference would help, I could be the first text she received in the morning to give her encouragement or FaceTime call when she could do nothing but sit still from tiredness or nauseous and everyone else was at work.  

Rebecca being Rebecca was so open and honest and gave anyone a true account of what she was feeling as she headed into treatment - emotion, anger, curiosity of why her and moreover how scared she was for what was to come.  As you would imagine her family and friends came to her aid and have been so so supportive throughout.  I know she is so overwhelmed with the support she has received and at times felt guilty for the support she has been given by her loved ones, which I am sure is a normal feeling for someone who’s life got turned upside down overnight.

I am please to see step by step she is getting there - it has been a struggle throughout - I am sure many of you couldn’t imagine dealing with 3 children, chemo for a number of months and 2 operations and it isn’t over yet.  Through this Rebecca has been so strong, there have been times I know she is breaking inside but she is putting on a brave face,  I cannot put into words my admiration for how she has been from the begging of this until now.

I am sure when you think of a Cancer patient in Rebecca's situation you think the government would support you and ensure that you don’t have to worry about anything else during this time other than your health, family and survival - but sadly that is not the case.  I have been shocked by the lack of support Rebecca and Ben (her husband) have received during this time.  Which is why I turned to Help a Friend Charity so I could raise money that would go directly to Rebecca.  She still has 4 weeks of Radiotherapy to go which means driving to Poole (20/30 miles) everyday for 4 weeks - this is a big financial commitment for which she doesn’t get help. 

This time next week I will be doing the run - I am not sure how long it is going to take me but I know I will do whatever it takes to get over that finish line.  As I sit here and write this I cannot begin to understand truly what my friend has been through and knowing I can help her is some way will get me around that 21.5k track in 27 - 32 degree heat!! 

I thank you in advance for anything you can give - truly I am grateful from the bottom of my heart!

Emms