Ten years ago, my nan was diagnosed with breast cancer and as the cancer was so advanced, surgery and chemo was out of the question, it was a case of managing it so she still had as good a quality of life as medically possible. Now, my nan, a quiet, unassuming woman fought this disease with everything she had and she was with us for another eight years, which amazed everyone. 

My mom was always super close to nan and in the last few years of her life, she cared for her almost full time, bringing her endless cups of green tea (which nan hated) and spending their afternoons trying to get the answers on "Tipping Point" together

In the final months of nan's life, mom was faced with a heartbreaking decision. The time had come for this feisty 93 year old to finally leave the home she had lived in for over 50 years and move into a hospice. When mom needed advice, support and someone to turn to, Macmillan were there for both her and nan. They understood the guilt my mom felt at taking nan out of her own home and they supported not just nan but they were there for my mom too and that is why I am doing the London Marathon in 2019, to give something back to the people who helped my family.

Any amount, small or large will help provide support to other families who need it. When the going gets tough, the memory of my nan, your support and the words of my dad will keep me running. Spoken at her funeral in 2017, my dad recalled my nan's aversion to modern technology and it is these words that will always stay with me 

"Joan never embraced modern technology but she never needed to Google how to be nice to anyone and she never needed to buy compassion off eBay as it all came so naturally to her"

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.Macmillan Cancer Support are here to help you find your best way through from the moment of diagnosis, so you’re able to live life as fully as you can.Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs.