August 11th, 2009 did not end the way I had imagined.

By midday, I was listening to a visibly upset A&E doctor called Chris, at Durham hospital tell me that my seemingly well husband had a large metastasis on his brain and that, because it was a secondary tumour, it was terminal.

A few minutes that would change my family’s life forever.

He asked if I wanted to share this straightaway with our children and as I walked from the waiting area with them my first thought was, Oh heck, I am going to have to do a run!

I still think that this was a very bizarre thought in the circumstances, as I had not run since very wet PE days at school, back in 1975.

Finally, in 2022, here we are!

Initially, Andrew was given a year to live but with excellent treatment from the Freeman hospital lived for just over four years.

One of the things we did as an extended family was to support Newcastle United. After enquiring about tickets for the pre-season match for Andrew and a carer, we left the booking office as proud season ticket holders!! We made some very happy memories attending Newcastle United matches, with the club being fantastic at providing a disabled car park and wheelchair space.

Andrew and my Dad had always admired the leadership of Bobby Robson and later, his stoic approach to his cancer. An approach that Andrew emulated.

It will be a privilege to raise money for the incredible work that the Bobby Robson Foundation does. Andrew would have been very proud of us, and probably a little amazed!