I am so incredibly excited to share that I will be running the London Marathon on the 23rd of April next year for the incredible St Raphael’s Hospice! 

As I am sure most of you know, this place means the world to me, my family and our friends. When my mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer in September of 2019, our worlds came crashing down. For the next 6 months, mum suffered unimaginably as she navigated through the realities that terminal cancer patients are faced with. The physical pain, the emotional trauma and the heartbreaking realisation that her time was coming to an end so quickly. 

We were introduced to St Raph’s early on in mums diagnosis and because we knew how fast her cancer was continuing to progress, end of life care was something she had to consider. She made the decision to spend not only her final days there, but around two weeks of respite care during which the staff provided round the clock care and emotional support that mum really needed.

We were lucky enough to get an emergency bed there for mum during our final days with her and were by her side until the end. I’m sure it would come as a surprise to some to hear that although this was, undoubtably, the hardest time of our lives, it was one of the most beautiful and truly lovely times to look back on. Obviously that is not because we knew the inevitable was etching closer and closer, but because we spent days on end surrounding mum with laughter, smiles and happiness knowing that St Raph’s was exactly where she wanted to be, and the comfort of having everyone who loved her (and who she loved back) right there was just heartwarming and so bittersweet. It really is the most wonderful place and I feel I owe everything to them. 

St Raphs provides unmatched care for not only patients, but their families too. I received months of counselling to cope with the anticipatory grief that comes with terminal diagnoses, before which I felt as if when mum died, I would want to go with her. I can honestly say that without the support I received, I am not sure where I would be today. Talking about my feelings towards mums death, and being given coping mechanisms to get myself through has given me a whole new perspective on life that I will carry with me forever. I owe so much to everyone there.

Most importantly the care, both emotional and medical, and the respect with which they treated my mum was astounding.

For these reasons, I decided to apply for a space in the marathon through them. For so long I have felt as though I wanted to give back to St Raphs, but just didn’t know exactly how to go about it. This year I felt I was ready for the challenge, especially after seeing our friend Laura Power absolutely smash it last year for St Raph’s in memory of mum, so I applied and the feeling of getting the call to say I got the space was honestly amazing. 

According to their website, this year alone they have provided patients with 909 referrals, 2,248 Clinical Nurse Specialist visits, 1,414 Hospice at Home visits,  supported 160 inpatients and have relied on 34,338 hours of volunteering. As an independent charity, St Raphs only receive 25% NHS funding, meaning that donations and fundraisers like this are vital in being able to raise the further 75% - £5 million - needed each year to continue supporting families like mine.

Any donation is so very appreciated. However I know times are tough for us all, so please do not feel any pressure to donate. Your support in liking and sharing my link is just as helpful. 

I can’t wait to start this process and continue with training. Bring it on!

Thank you so much!

Ps, suggestions for my training playlist (and running tips) are very welcome!