Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In August 2018, the world of my beautiful best friend was turned upside down when following a routine smear test, she was told that she had cervical cancer. She’s 36. Not one for a fuss, she kept her head down and fought with the utmost dignity and class, and in early December underwent a radical hysterectomy, in order to give her the best chance of survival, and quality of life for years to come.

I knew immediately that I needed to do something for her, but her strong will (some may call it stubbornness 😉) coupled with my general lack of knowledge about fighting and surviving cervical cancer, meant that I needed to think outside the box. And what I lack in PhDs, I make up for in a sometimes-naive belief that I can do anything I put my mind to. So, as she was stood in the middle of Aldi, and in an attempt to outdo my previous greatest achievement (did I mention I ran a marathon?), I announced to her that I would do an Ultra, in her honour.

On the 29th June 2019, I will be running (and let’s be honest, there’ll be a bit of walking) 62 rather hilly miles through the Cotswolds, in order to raise as much money as possible for The Eve Appeal, all in honour of Gemma.

The Eve Appeal were set up to save women’s lives by funding ground-breaking research focused on developing effective methods of risk prediction, earlier detection and developing screening for the five gynaecological cancers, in addition to campaigning to raise awareness. The work they do is the reason that Gemma is here right now, with a clean bill of health.

I know I said I wouldn’t ask for any more money from you all after the marathon (or GNR, which I will be returning to do this September 😬), and you all gave so generously last year, but she’s worth it. She’s SO worth it. Please go get your smears, ladies. Two minutes of mild awkwardness could literally save your life, just like it saved Gemma’s.

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.