Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My story starts 3 years ago when I was unfit and struggling with stress and tiredness. I started walking slowly and gradually built up to running. I joined a running club (an amazing club - Les Croupiers ), met loads of brilliant people, ran some crazy races and generally found my spark again.

Now here I am- ready for my biggest  challenge- the London Marathon!!!!! Im scared and excited in equal portions. 

I'm so proud to be running for Cancer Research Wales and here is the most important part of my story:

I’ve worked as a GP in Isca Medical Centre, Caerleon for 17 years  and during that time I have been involved in the care of many patients with cancer. Some are ‘cured’ but often live with long-lasting anxiety that it will return or side effects from treatment. Many others are not this lucky and often after long difficult treatment regimens go on to require end of life care.

Each journey is different, and I have been honoured to be involved in the lives of so many patients and their families. It never gets any easier to be part of a journey that ends with loss of life, watching a patient that you become close to die, and see their families lose a loved one. I could easily list over three hundred patients whom I have looked after with cancer over the years, and all were special. A few stories will always stand out and will be in my memories forever. They have inspired this effort to raise money for Cancer Research.

The last 12 months have been difficult for us all at the surgery. Sadly, the husband of Sally, our lovely long-serving secretary, passed away last year from Prostate cancer. Bryn was a wonderful man, stoic and uncomplaining throughout his illness. He was admired by many and has left a huge hole in his family’s hearts.

In the same year my retired senior partner, friend and mentor also passed away from Prostate cancer. 17 years ago, Dr Jeff Thomas gave me a job for a year and I never left. He originally established the Caerleon Practice, designing the building we work in now, constructing a professional and hardworking team and ensuring that the patient was always the priority. We still work to so many of his ideas now. Over the years he gave me invaluable advice and support. I will always be grateful for his friendship and guidance. He was a big man with a big heart and is missed by so many patients, friends and especially his lovely family who remain good friends of mine.

I would be so grateful for any support and sponsorship that people can spare. I have a big target in mind and would love to achieve it. Thank you so much.

Love Penny

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