As many of you know, my mum first became unwell in February 2017 – just two months before my wedding – and devastatingly received a terminal cancer diagnosis later that year. In 2018 my mum started attending the Community Day Services at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and received amazing care and complementary therapy treatments at home. She also had a couple of shortstays in the hospice for symptom management.

I gave birth to my little girl; Martha, in September 2018, and a month later my mum was admitted into the Oxenhope hospice for end-of-life care. I would always visit my mum with Martha and the staff were so unbelievably kind, and always made us feel very welcome. During her time in the hospice, my mum received support from a counsellor, who helped her to make a special memory book for me to share with Martha. They also helped her to crochet something for us, which was just such a lovely personal touch. 

My mum passed away in November 2018, and to mark the fifth anniversary since she died, I am going to take on five fundraising challenges this year - to hopefully raise £5,000 for the hospice that cared so unbelievably well for my amazing mum.

I am starting relatively easy with the Keighley 10k on Mother’s Day, followed by the Born Survivor Cheshire in April, the Manchester Half Marathon in May, a sky dive in the summer, and finally the Yorkshire Marathon in October. 

The hardest thing for me has been becoming a mother, without my own mum - to chat to, ask advice and have that support that no one else can compare to. This is also for everyone who is trying to be the best mum they can be, without their own mum.

I love you forever mum, this is for you x