I'm running in memory of my son, Tom Spurling. #TeamTom

In 2018 my 7 year old twin son, Tom, became unwell with acute tummy pains and was rushed into his local hospital in Dorset. Heartbreakingly, a tumour was detected on his liver and within days we were very quickly referred to The Rays of Sunshine Ward, Kings College Hospital, London.

Tom was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma (transitional) a childhood form of liver cancer. It was life shattering and extremely scary, and through further investigations, multiple lung metastasis were discovered. It was the medical team at King's who supported our family in the initial period and helped with facing this scary new reality. They worked with us on how we move forward with treatment and care before Tom could have major liver surgery.

After several months of intense chemotherapy at The Piam Brown Unit, Southampton, with shared care at Poole Hospital, Tom had a major liver resection at King's, carried out by Professor Nigel Heaton and his team, where they removed the tumour and where he spent several weeks in the care of both the PICU department and Rays of Sunshine ward.

Devastatingly, after 9 months of treatment, Tom's cancer transitioned into a more aggressive form and spread to his spine. Tom went on to have major neuro surgery, but heartbreakingly, just before his and his twin brother's 8th birthday, our beautiful Tom passed away, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on 1st April 2019.

Our family life is forever altered; from the cancer diagnosis, to the loss of Tom and now as we live as a bereaved family, walking this difficult path. King’s was a pivotal place in the 'before' and the 'after' of the life we once knew. And, although the time spent at the hospital was limited, it holds a permanent place in our hearts and minds, in our life with Tom.

I am taking on the 2023 London Landmarks Half Marathon to support King's College Hospital Charity because they supported our family during the very worst of times.

Tom loved London, he loved being active, but most importantly, I know he would love to see us doing something positive towards this heart-breaking situation.