As many of you know, at the end of last year, my Mum went to hospital with stomach cramps. Two weeks later she was told that she had 3 weeks to live. A mole that she had removed from the bottom of her foot 3 years prior had re-emerged; metastatic melanoma (skin cancer) in her liver.  

As anyone that knew her will know, my Mum lit up every room she walked into. She would (and did) do anything for me to live my dreams. She was the best Mum I could have ever hoped for. Four days before Christmas, in a ceremony organised by my amazing cousins & friends at 48 hours notice, my Mum watched me get married. Two weeks later, she died.

So this year, I am running the London Marathon for Melanoma UK. Melanoma UK is a specialist charity - raising awareness and offering support for those specifically affected by skin cancer. ‎Melanoma UK's CEO, Gill, personally helped myself and my Auntie to navigate the‎ NHS to find the right specialists when Mum was ill. Their support groups have listened to me through my bereavement.  Most importantly, skin cancer can, in many cases, be prevented - Melanoma UK help to raise awareness of this terrible illness. Skin cancer isn't just about getting a mole or two removed - anyone, sun-lover or not, can get it - and it took my Mum at only 61.  

Running this marathon (whilst, as you may know, not my first) has never meant more to me - and for a charity like Melanoma UK, your donation really (really) does make a difference.  So please give absolutely anything you can.

This one's for you Mum.