I did not know where to begin with these words. The responsibility of capturing my two inspiring friends stories with the uplifting tone in which they live their lives was not going to be easy.

Therese ❤️

Let’s start with Therese, whose journey began long before we met, finding a pea sized lump in her breast when she was just 29. The lump was cancer and it had spread. Therese faced the cancer and fought herself into remission. Several years later 2 gorgeous boys had arrived, 2 miracles that she had been told would not be possible. Of course they did, this is Therese after all…

The cancer returned, faced with a major operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy Therese marched on. Her priority was loving her husband and young family whilst being a fantastic nurse. During this time we met, Therese didn’t tell me what she was going through. Instead she helped me with my babies and showed the world that she was stronger than the cancer. We became close and eventually, selflessly, Therese told me that she was living with cancer. I was told not to treat her any differently, this sums up my friend, determined, inspirational, loving. 

Yet another battle is now being fought. The coming months will not be easy and will last throughout my marathon training. Every step that hurts I do for Therese to show the inspiration that she has brought to my life.

Rich 💙

And now to talk about Rich. Rich is an inspiration in raising awareness about cancer. Cancer is not shameful, it is not embarrassing and we need to talk about it. Rich beats his cancer with pride and it seems to me that he is a medical miracle. Rich is part of our NCT group, a group that has shared so many precious moments and memories.  

The discovery of stage 4 bowel cancer happened when Ben, his second child, was born. We were all spinning and devastated with what this would mean for him, Charlotte and their babies. The outlook was bleak. Rich’s attitude was ‘f*#k off cancer’ and he marched into every operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with a smile on his face. Charlotte would roll her eyes telling us how he laughed with nurses and gee’d other patients on. 

Living a life with cancer means that there have been many ups and downs, the cancer has made a few more appearances. Each time Rich does what he does best and beats it.

Raising funds

I am running the Ealing Half Marathon, prior to training I have only run 5km, it won’t be easy. It is however absolutely nothing compared to the determination with which my two friends live their lives and love their families every day. They have shown me that living with cancer means you live your best life, and for that I am in awe. 

It is impossible to live life without being touched by cancer in some way. Don't support me, support my friends and so many others that are fighting cancer everyday. 

Therese has chosen our charity, with Rich's approval, as it is close to her heart and funds are desperately needed. Breast Cancer Now is a charity that focuses on delaying the spread of breast cancer and prolonging the lives of those living with secondary cancer.