Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. In April, I will be running the Virgin London Marathon for Cancer Research UK. This will be in memory of my brave Mum, who lost her fight to skin cancer last year. Below is my story and I hope it inspires you to donate something, no matter how big or small, to this fantastic charity.

Mum was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago now and it was in May 2011 that we learnt it wasn’t a case of ‘if’ but ‘when’. Of course, this news absolutely devastated all of us – Mum, all of the family and her countless friends.

However, the ‘when’ would have come a lot sooner if it wasn’t for the Churchill Hospital in Oxford and the fantastic work they do there. Because of them, Mum was given the chance to take a treatment that we quickly dubbed the ‘miracle drug’. She went from being sofa bound to being able to live again. When the cancer first returned in February last year she said to me, ‘I hope I make the wedding’ - the wedding in question being my brother’s. Because of the ‘miracle drug’ not only did she make it but she was one of the last people on the dance floor by the end of the evening – like mother, like daughter some would say!

So, my Mum’s story is why I have chosen to run the Virgin London Marathon for Cancer Research UK. I am hoping to run the marathon in under 4 hours – a challenge that will take determination, commitment and strength and I know my Mum will be with me every step of the way.

Please help me raise money for this worthwhile cause so that Cancer Research can continue their fantastic work and help hold off the ‘when’ for the numerous families who have to deal with this disease on a daily basis. No matter how big or small your donation every penny really does count!

Caroline x