I'm lacing up my running shoes to complete my first ever half marathon on 14th May 2023. I'll be running in memory of Elizabeth Wise (my partner's mum), and the grandad I never met. I'll be running for my friends and family who've lost loved ones to cancer, or fought their own courageous battles with this terrible disease.

I started running during summer 2022, as a way to look after my own wellbeing whilst Pete (my partner) and I cared for his mum, Liz. My usual run is a 1.5km route near our house. Just a quick ten minute run to keep my head on straight. So, I guess what I'm saying is, completing a half marathon is going to be quite a challenge!

A bit about how the last few years of my life have been affected by cancer... In May 2021, Liz was diagnosed with a type of brain cancer called glioblastoma. An emergency hospital admission turned our lives upside down in an instant. The cancer was aggressive and the journey was horrifying, to be perfectly honest. Her illness took a lot of things away from Liz but never once did it steal away her inspiring positivity and hope. She faced her cancer with such strength and bravery, right until the end, when she died peacefully in October 2022.

Not a day goes by where we don't think of Liz and I'll be channelling her determination as I prepare for my run.

Thank you so much for supporting my fundraising. I know we're all facing increasing costs at the moment and I hope you'll feel able to spare a few pounds.

The cost of living crisis is predicted to have a huge affect on charities, as demand for their vital services increases and donations plummet due to tightening purse strings.

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