Hi Everyone
I am running the York Vale Half Marathon in memory of my Grandma Sheila Turley and to raise money for MacMillan Cancer support.
Sheila (Grandma) was an absolutely fabulous Mum, Grandma, Great Grandma and a best friend to so many people. Grandma always gave without expecting anything in return, whether it be her time, advice, or money. She owned care homes, two for learning disabilities and a nursing home for the elderly. She would go to lengths to ensure these people were cared for in the very best way possible. Grandma didn't just love people, she loved her animals also and gave large amounts to charities. A woman truly beautiful inside and out. Grandma loved to socialise so I will definitely be having a double vodka and lemonade (her favourite drink) after this race!
Grandma was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier in 2012 and was undergoing treatment, she started to become more and more poorly and was then diagnosed with a brain tumour weeks before she died. In her dying days, the MacMillan nurses help support my fantastic mum and auntie care for her and helped make my Grandmas last weeks with us be as kind and caring as she was. It meant that she could be in her own home surrounded by her family in the last few days she was with us. She left us with as much strength, grace and dignity she displayed throughout her life.
I would therefore obviously like to give something back to these amazing MacMillan Nurses so that they can help another family like ours.
Anyone that knows me, knows I like a good drink on a weekend, and that I have signed up for many races and backed out. I'll say I'm going to the gym to be good and I'll go for a week and never stick it out. I never stay dedicated to working out. I have never even entered into a 10k race, let alone a half marathon, and I'm training for this in 8 weeks! So this is going to really test my limits!!!!
Thank you so much for your sponsorship and support!!! Here's to the MacMillan nurses...
...and to you gran...I miss you so much!!
Half marathon I'm going to kick you in the butt!
Much love
Gem xxx