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I started to think about running a marathon after I retired but only began to put the plan into action after an exchange of text messages with my friend Jess. We ran our first half marathon together in February 2018, joined the start line together in 2019 and Jess went on to run her marathon in April 2019. I had to pull out because of injury and my 2020 attempt was cancelled. Jess surprised me by turning up with her family to cheer me on for my half marathon that year but she herself did not run as she was by then already unwell with a cancer which was diagnosed a week later.

I met Jess through our sons but she became a close friend only after they left school. We met in the gym, ran and had deep conversations over meals. I was touched by her combination of wisdom, toughness and compassion. Her positive attitude, mental resilience and physical fitness combined to help her survive until January 2021. 

Tragically Jess's husband Barry died a few months later. I am running for the Martlet's as their family are so appreciative of the support they received before and after her death.