As many of you will know, my best friend Melisa passed away in April of last year at the age of 29. Beautiful inside and out, hilarious, witty and intelligent, she was one of the greatest lights in my life and I miss her kind soul every single day. 

I met Mel on our first day of year 7 when we were both 11 years old. We very quickly broke away from everyone else and it became clear almost instantly that we would be best friends for life. Mel was the other half of me and everyone at school knew we came as a two and that our friendship was indestructible. I was so proud and grateful for the friendship we had. Throughout school, college and university we remained just as close. Mel was not only beautiful and kind, she was also incredibly intelligent and hard working and she went on to become a successful immigration lawyer in her own right. She was my bridesmaid and make up artist at my wedding, something I will be forever grateful for! 

In early summer of 2021 and at the age of 28, Mel received the devastating news that she had ovarian cancer. Mel underwent surgery and went on to have various rounds of chemo. In December 2021, Mel received the all clear and it was honestly the best day ever! Mel even had a party to celebrate being cancer free and it’s safe to say we certainly celebrated! 

However just a few months later, on 14 March 2022,  Mel received the heartbreaking news that her cancer had returned. This time, the cancer was more aggressive and spread in a way that meant it was no longer curable. Mel passed away exactly a month later on 14 April 2022. 

I miss everything about Mel. Her laugh, our private jokes, picking up the phone to talk to her about anything and everything, our coffee dates and walks in sunshine and her light and warmth that she gave me and so many others. 

I’m running the London marathon for our Mel, and for her family and friends. I’m running for those women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and are undergoing treatment.  I’m running  for all those women who have lost their lives due to this cruel disease and their families and friends as they try to navigate through a world without their loved one. As stated on the Ovarian Cancer Action website, only 3 in 10 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer live beyond 10 years.  I’m running for Ovarian Cancer Action in the hope that, by doing so, we are a step closer to ovarian cancer being survivable for all women. 

I’m doing this for you Mel. I love you and miss you every single day but I know you’ll be cheering me on as you were always my biggest cheerleader. 

Love, Jannine 

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