Having recovered from non- Hodgkin lymphoma a few years ago, taking part in the Great North Run will definitely be a challenge. Life brings many challenges for so many, and often we don't realise what everyone is going through. I am honoured to be taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for a charity which supported me through some more difficult times. 

For me, when I was told my mass had cleared following chemotherapy, everyone expects you to celebrate. Yes, I was over the moon, but the fact that the focus on your chemotherapy cycle has finished and you’re not having the regular check ups, brings with it different emotions. That is when St Barnabas played a pivotal role for me. 

Sometimes the word 'hospice' doesn’t fully define all of the exceptional services offered by St Barnabas and how many people benefit from the support of their specialist doctors and nurses, managing end of life care, but their support also includes help providing coping strategies, relaxation techniques following a diagnosis, during or after treatment, physio and giving invaluable support whenever it’s needed. St Barnabas has made such a positive impact on the lives of so many. By way of example, every £18.84 raised will enable St Barnabas to provide one hour of specialist at-home care to a patient living with a life-limiting or terminal illness.

I am fully aware of these difficult financial times, but if you are in a position to contribute, no matter how small, it will be of huge benefit to St Barnabas, enabling them to keep up their amazing work. I am also fortunate in that I work for HSBC who will double whatever I raise up to a maximum of £500. If, however, you are not able to donate, that’s no problem at all, I would just like to thank you for reading my story. 

Life is short, so treasure those close to you, be kind always, and keep making memories.

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