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In May 2006, four months before my wedding, my wonderful mum Liz was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, the highest grade cancerous brain tumour there is.  On the day mum was diagnosed we were told that the cancer was terminal and that it was unlikely she would survive more than 12 to 18 months.  Just the day before we had so much to look forward to but right then, at that moment, life just stopped.

At the time mum was diagnosed we were introduced to her MacMillan nurse Toni, who was an invaluable support during the final 17 months of mum's life.  She was there throughout it all, the supportive, smiling and positive presence that we all needed.  Mum's first surgery resulted in the removal of most of the tumour but the very nature of it meant that it would just keep growing back.  Mum then underwent radiotherapy and finished that treatment just in time for my wedding. 

Just a few weeks after returning from my honeymoon I discovered I was pregnant with my eldest son Jacob.  Mum always wanted to be a grandmother and we so wanted her to be there to see her first grandchild but only a month after we discovered I was pregnant my mum's latest MRI scan confirmed that the tumour was back.  She was told it was inoperable and that it was unlikely she would make it to see the baby.  Toni was a fantastic support at that time and following discussions between the family, Toni and mum's surgeon it was decided that a second operation was worth a try.  They managed to remove most of the tumour, although it was a more risky operation second time around.  Mum then underwent chemo and in the final stages of my pregnancy, when I attended chemo with her, I saw Toni helping with everything, including mum's needle phobia!

Mum was there to see Jacob's first three months of life and she so loved being a grandmother.  Unfortunately just a month after Jacob was born her condition began to deteriorate and we discovered her tumour was back and there was nothing further that could be done.  Toni was there with us when we were given the news and was just so supportive and understanding.  She was also able to give us support and advice for the care at home that mum needed during her final weeks, as mum wanted to be at home, cared for by her family. 

I can't emphasise enough how important Toni and MacMillan were to us during that time.  Even though there was nothing that could be done to save mum, I believe that Toni was instrumental in negotiations with the hospital for mum's second surgery so that she could be there to see the birth of her first grandchild, which was so important to her.  For that, and all of the wonderful support Toni and MacMillan provided, I will be forever thankful. 

I always wanted to give something back to those who helped throughout the worst period of my life.  While it has taken me some time to do it (and two half marathons to make sure I am up to it) I am happy to be a disgusting, sweaty mess for such a worthwhile cause and I really hope that you can support me, and those that will really need the support of MacMillan now and in the future, in that.

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