Hello

I would like to raise money for Cancer Research in memory of my Mum and Dad, and here is my story...

Just over 3 years ago when I was 25, I lost my beautiful Mum to advanced Breast Cancer. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer when I was at school, but sadly, 7 years later it returned.

In the summer of the year my Mum passed away, my Dad was diagnosed with a very rare form of Non-Hogdkins Lymphoma cancer - Angioimmunoblastic T cell Lymphoma.  My lovely, gently Dad passed away last month.

My Mum and Dad met in Canada - this is where my Mum was born, and they were very happily married for the next 34 years - returning to England where they raised a family. They were both always active and healthy, and had a real positivety and zest for life.

My sister and I have always had a very close relationship with Mum and Dad, and always felt very loved. Family meant everything to them.  They were incredibly warm and loving and were thought of so fondly by so many people. They both had smiles that would light up their whole face, and had wonderful senses of humour.

I am going to be taking part in the Great London Swim at the end of August. This is a one mile open water swim in the Royal Victoria Dock, London. A challenge? well yes, but for raising money for such a worthwhile cause - it is a very exciting one.

Cancer Research UK has been working on life-saving research for over a century. Their scientists and doctors have contributed to most of the world’s top cancer drugs. They have pioneered the use of radiotherapy to treat cancer, leading to a dramatic increase in the number of patients whose cancer could be cured.  More and more is being done, and they are doing more research into rare cancers too - in the last two years alone there has been more trials, and more and more hope. 

It has been heartbreaking losing our beloved parents.  They were both so proud of me and my sister - a very recent memory of my Dad was when he was sitting with me and my sister in the lounge and he said quite simply - 'I couldn't be happier - as I am with my two girls.  I am so proud of you both.'

I am the proudest girl in the world to be the daughter of two such loved and wonderful people.  The one thing I do know for sure, is that my Mum and Dad are back together again, and are now in the most beautiful place you can ever imagine.

Thank you xxxx