I last ran the Marathon des Sables in 2010 and since then I have unfortunately lost all 3 of my parents (Mum, Dad and Sara), far too early and far too young.

I am now in my 50th year and two years ago I decided that I wanted to attempt to run the 2022 Marathon des Sables in memory of my parents who meant so much to me and my family. The Marathon des Sables (www.marathondessables.com/en) is a 250km, 6 day self sufficient footrace in the Saharan Desert.  I have been training ever since and race day starts on 27th March!

Most recently Mum passed away in July 2019 age 66 from cancer.

As far too many people know, latter stages of cancer can be horrendous for the patient but also for family and friends. In the last days, weeks and months of Mum's life we were truly blessed by the support and care of the amazing team at Farleigh Hospice and we will be eternally grateful to them.

I have wanted to make a donation for some time so have done so now. Should anyone wish to donate and support me feel free but my main aim was to let people know what I am doing and say 'thanks' to Farleigh, especially for letting me stay with Mum during her last 5 days and nights. 

Thanks all!

Below, I have shared my sister Faye's account of Mum's illness and Farleigh's assistance.

"So. We lost mum 17 July 2019. She had Metastatic renal cancer which spread to her lungs, bones and then brain.

On 11th Feb 2018 Mum had what we thought was a stroke, but soon found out it was Tumors in her brain (this is when 'Maia' Joe’s 14 year old daughter was there for the night and ended up being first responder). In the following weeks she would attend Bart’s Hospital for Cyberknife treatment. This is when we start to need help and Farleigh got involved. Mum went in and out as an outpatient/guest.

In December 2018 they found it in her bones.  She then had surgery to remove the tumour in her wrist and put in a metal plate. Mum was then accepted to Farleigh for a week to recover from surgery and soon start regular radiotherapy at Colchester hospital. Against all medical advice, Mum then went on safari at the end of Jan 2019 by herself.

Never wanting to give up, Mum decided she wanted one last holiday and took me, Charlie (my sister) and our kids to Maldives in March 2019. 

On the return flight she suffered a stroke and had to be hospitalised in Doha. Joe and Dan fly out and with the help of medical team, we all got Mum back to Broomfield hospital for a week before moving to
Farleigh. This is when we are told Mum was in end of life. 

Mum moved to Farleigh straight from Broomfield. She was there for some time before they asked if she wanted to go home and come in as a day patient, which she did.
We would go in with the kids after her mornings there and have lunch in their canteen. Mum was in and out from March - July. 

Farliegh sorted out Mum's house so she could live there. Arranged a hospital bed. Sorted medical needs. Alternated her house for her disabilities. Arranged financial help. Support the families emotionally. We can go there even now as they have a sanctuary room. 

They still remember us now as they watched the kids grow and mum fight. They said they’ve never had anyone fight the way mum did.

We are so grateful for all the help and support Farleigh gave us."