My Mother died on 1st March 2019. She was one of the 1% of patients who lose their life when undergoing the first of five supposedly lifesaving chemotherapies, due to contracting pneumonia and other illnesses when staying at a hospital. The effect of the most aggressive form of chemotherapy is that the body's bone marrow is almost fully destroyed in the hope that it may grow back without the cancerous cells. A side effect of this type of therapy is that the body's immune system no longer employs its resources to fight off dangerous bacteria
and support the body's own defence system, in effect; the immune system goes on holiday.  

It was during this time, just days into the first chemo, that my
mum contracted a nasty influenza virus. To make things worse, a bacterial infection then joined forces with the flu thereby causing a lung infection to develop. From here, it was a downward spiral and I will spare you further details. What is important is that the  Doctors at the Hospital's intensive care unit did everything in their power to support my mum. After 12 days of being in an artificial coma (to alleviate her suffering and to support her lungs), pumped full with all the antibiotics available, stabilisers, blood transfusion, physio and much more besides, I was holding her hand as she fell asleep for the final time at 10.35 a.m. on 1st March.

Let’s talk about what I plan to do and how you can support me: 

1st Challenge

On the 2nd June 2019, I will (attempt) to run a Marathon (42km/26miles) for the first time in my life. However, this isn't just ANY marathon, its The Lakeland Coniston Trail Marathon, set in the Lake District, Cumbria (for more details check out their website and see for yourself what I am in for! http://www.lakelandtrails.org/marathon/). Needless to say, this run will be VERY hilly and VERY Loooooooooong!  

Oh..and as a warm up I am running the Great Stirling Half Marathon on 28th April for Bloodwise.

2nd Challenge

I spent the last 2 weeks of my mum's life by her side at her Hospital bed and watched helplessly by as her health deteriorrated. At the end of her life, at 58 years young: all her hair had fallen out due to the chemotherapy; her head was completely bold. I remember how shocked I was to see her like that. Those of you who know me well probably recall how much time and effort I would put into doing up my hair at work or at special occasions. Before, I lost my mum, I too was convinced that my hair was an important part of my identity. Today, I value different things. I want to be just as bold and as shaven as my mum was so that I remember, and remind others, of what really matters in life.

3rd Challenge

Raise as much funds as possible, update this page with photos and promote this event as much as possible which will be way out of my comfort zone and most importantly, finish the marathon with a BIG SMILE on my face since the Lake District was one of my mum's favourite places in the world.

My Message: 

Be mindful of loving (and showing your love) to your nearest and dearest when they are alive, can hear and see you, and may even respond to you in a similar way. Be compassionate & grateful today, everyday, because this may be your last chance before that someone is no longer here.

Blood Cancer kills. Please donate to support the work of Bloodwise UK. 

Lisa

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. All funds raised will go to Bloodwise. I will cover the marathon fee, accommodation, travel, training equipment etc so be assured that every penny goes to a good cause.

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 for the charity.