I had heard of the Marie Curie cancer charity, but never knew that much about it. 

In late May 2015, our Mum was diagnosed with lung cancer. She deteriorated rapidly, and looking back, none of the immediate family knew how to handle our independent Mother's sudden new situation. 

How long can she continue to live alone? How does she get treatment? Who will help administer drugs when we are not there? What help is available to her? What should she eat? We were absolutely lost and dazed by the news and how fast she become critically ill. 

In stepped Marie Curie with firstly at home help - and then - and for this we will forever be grateful - the offer of accommodation in a hospice, facing the sea, in Penarth. Under her own firm request - they had room for her immediately and she was provided with the most wonderful end-of-life care we could have hoped for in a desperately sad situation. In 6 short weeks she was gone. We would never have coped without Marie Curie. 

Our family was guided and supported by the kindness of strangers. This amazing facility, that we didn't even know about, had been paid for by countless charitable people we don't know and we can never thank in person. I have to do my bit to repay Marie Curie, please help me? 

The Brighton Marathon (all 26.2 miles of it eek!!) is 17th April 2016. 

Alica xxx