Hello, if you have you got this far, then thank you for taking the time to visit this page and read my story. I am going to be running the 2021 London Marathon for Bowel Cancer UK in memory of my mum, Wendy Brett.

Mum was the biggest fan of the London Marathon. Every year, Mum would get up at the crack of dawn to watch the marathon. I would come out of my room and be met with ‘there’s a man running with a fridge on his back this year’ or ‘someone’s running as Big Ben’ etc... It would be on in every room of the house, in case she needed to make a cup of tea as she didn’t want to miss anything. Whilst being a big fan, she was never going to run the London marathon herself, after running the ‘Totton 10k’ and being last to cross the finishing line. I was cheering mum on from the side and encouraging her to overtake the woman just a few steps ahead. Mum said ‘no one remembers the person who came second-to-last’.

Mum’s Battle

Mum had been experiencing some discomfort for a while. Her symptoms were predominantly constant pain in her stomach and back, and extreme fatigue. After a few tests, mum was taken to hospital for an iron infusion as her levels were low. Mum was then discharged and was awaiting further tests. 

On Friday 13 November we took Mum into hospital as we saw a significant decline. On Sunday 15 November, we were told that unfortunately they had discovered a number of tumours, and sadly this was confirmed to be cancer. At this time we didn’t know the extent or the source. As the week progressed, we found out that Mum had cancer of the bowel, which had spread to her colon and her liver. 

Mum eventually came home from hospital just before Christmas. We were fortunate to spend our Christmas together as a family. 

In January, I decided to make an application to run the marathon for Bowel Cancer UK, hoping that if I was lucky enough to get a spot, mum would be here to see me run it.

After Christmas, Mum had her first session of Chemotherapy. Unfortunately, Mum was fighting several infections and had to go back into hospital, and the Chemo was paused for her to fight the infections. We were hopeful that Mum would be able to return home after some treatment. However, instead it was decided that Oakhaven Hospice would be a more comfortable place for mum to be. 

We remained hopeful that Mum would return home. Sadly, on Monday 8 February we were told that Chemotherapy was no longer an option. Dad, Liam and I were fortunate enough to spend every day with mum from that Monday. On Friday 12 February, Mum passed away peacefully with her boys around her. 

The following Friday I received confirmation that I had a spot on the London Marathon, running for Bowel Cancer UK, in October 2021. I’m hoping to raise as much money as possible, to help fight this awful disease. I’m also hoping to spread awareness as to the early signs of bowel cancer to assist with early diagnosis. 

Throughout the whole of my mum’s battle, she was always saying how other people had it worse. She was always so positive, and focused on the fact that she had a good 55 years of life. 

One comment made by a family friend that has stuck with me is that one day we might wake up, and there be a cure for cancer. Although that is now too late for my mum, I remain hopeful that we will get there, and it will save countless lives. 

I will be holding fundraising events throughout the year. 
Thank you so very much in advance for any donations.

About Bowel Cancer UK

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.

Thank you for reading, any donation will be gratefully received.