Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I'm running the Great North Run this year in memory of two incredibly special and brave women who lost their battles with cancer. My mum, Claire Cordell, who died on the 9 June 2004 aged 45 and my boyfriend Owen's mum Leigh McArdle, who died on 10 January 2017 at the age of 51. 

Both my mum and Leigh were lovely, caring, loving, intelligent, generous, funny and courageous women who were always there to support their loved ones. They are both wonderful examples to us all of how to live and they taught me how important it is to be kind and loving and to help others. I have so many amazing memories of the times I spent with them that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Every day I try to live by the example they set, to make them proud. My mum's unwavering love and support, her constant guidance and care in my childhood, made me the person I am today and I owe so much to her.

They live on in the hearts and memories of those who loved them most, including myself. I'm taking on the challenge of the Great North Run to raise funds for Marie Curie because I want to help the vital work they do in supporting people with terminal illnesses, as I know how important that work is from my own experiences with cancer. Nurses from Marie Curie also played a key part in allowing Leigh to stay at home throughout her battle with cancer until the end. I would like to thank them for the hard work they do every day supporting those with cancer and their families. 

Running the race will be tough but I will take courage from knowing that I'm doing it for them, to make them proud, to help make the world a better place in their memory. Anything you can give will be very much appreciated and will help make a real difference to the lives of those with cancer and their families. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.