With 2 weeks to go until the London Marathon here’s my (admittedly very last minute) fundraising page. Hopefully it’s late enough that everyone has forgotten about their donations to the well-organised, early fundraisers out there and eager to give again! Several months of pain, ice baths and (almost) no alcohol all coming to the big finale. I’ll be running for Macmillan this year both to give back for their fantastic work but also to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer. 

I am sure a lot of you have seen the tremendous work Macmillan do. Whether that’s the support they give, the communities they create or the nurses that are on the ground helping people in their toughest times. Both for the patient suffering from cancer but also for the family and friends who need advice and comfort. 

My grandad sadly lost his battle with cancer last year and the nurses were great in looking after him, helping with his treatment and pain relief and also providing information and advice to our family. End of life care is extremely challenging for everyone and these nurses are there to help.

Whilst a lot of fundraisers are unfortunately in memory of a loved one, I am also running for Macmillan in celebration and with that to raise awareness. My extremely brave mum beat Ovarian Cancer a couple of years ago. As with most cancers, early identification is key and improves survival rates tremendously. My mum has always been very fit and healthy which helped her to catch it early and no doubt helped her beat it! One of the main symptoms is bloating in the stomach so being able to spot this is absolutely essential! So it feels fitting to say ‘Run for Ovarian Cancer’. Beyond all the other benefits of being active, let’s get fit to give ourselves the best chance should we ever come up against cancer. As with my grandad, Macmillan and their nurses helped my mum all the way through her treatment. I couldn’t think of a better cause. 

(Photo attached my amazing mum who beat Ovarian Cancer, my grandad who battled valiantly but sadly succumbed to Pancreatic Cancer and Pip the puppy - statistically you are more likely to donate when you see a puppy right?!) 

All donations massively appreciated! Thanks for the support. 

Early signs of Ovarian Cancer:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal (belly) pain
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms such as urgency (always feeling like you have to go) or frequency (having to go often)

Early signs of Pancreatic Cancer:

• Tummy (abdominal) or back pain
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of your eyes (jaundice)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes to your stools