As many will know at the beginning of 2019, Andrew, my beloved husband and devoted dad to our amazing daughters, was diagnosed with a rare bone marrow disease. Under the care of The Royal Marsden and the Brompton Hospital, Andrew had a stem cell transplant donated by a lady in France at the end of May. After 9 beds and 3 hospitals, Andrew was discharged on his birthday, 17 June, to begin his recovery. Sadly less than a week at home, Andrew developed the start of kidney failure so was readmitted. The next few weeks was a roller coaster of Andrew being poorly, then getting better, etc etc. Andrew’s whole journey was, supported by all staff at the Royal Marsden at both Sutton and Chelsea, not only looking after Andrew but his family too. Sadly, on the 2 August 2019, Andrew died with his loving family and friends around him. Andrew is missed every day by me and his incredibly strong daughters, Molly & Grace as well as his family and friends, of whom I’m not sure how we would have got to today.

I started running on the streets locally, early in the mornings,  the week after Andrew’s funeral, in disguise so no one would recognise me doing the couch to 5k! 5km moved to 10km, as well as joining a supportive running group, Running Works. Running helps my mental health and getting out into the fresh air resets my head. 

In April 2022, I ran the London Landmarks half marathon, which was a challenge but one I completed. And now in my 50th year, I shall be ticking another thing off my bucket list and running the London Marathon. Andrew would not believe some of the things I have done since 2019 from actually having to cook to crocheting rainbows during covid. He definitely wouldn’t believe I would be running the London Marathon, but I shall be running with his name on my t-shirt so he will be with me every step of the way and when the running gets tough, I shall remind myself of what Andrew went through and for the amazing work The Royal Marsden do and continue to do on a day to day basis #teamwalker💙

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money solely to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre. We ensure our nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. From funding state-of-the-art equipment and groundbreaking research, to creating the very best patient environments, we will never stop looking for ways to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.