I'm taking part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money solely to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre. They ensure nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. From funding state-of-the-art equipment and groundbreaking research, to creating the very best patient environments, they will never stop looking for ways to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

In September 2022, I attended what I thought was a routine check up and that day was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I have been extremely fortunate to be treated by the outstanding team of doctors and nurses at the Royal Marsden. 1 in 7 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis, but thanks to extensive research and clinical trials, outcomes have improved considerably over the last two decades with ongoing advances in diagnostics and treatments. Thanks to a very recent clinical trial, I take a drug which gives a significant reduction in my recurrence risk. This is why I'm so passionate about supporting the Marsden - 1 in 2 of us will receive a cancer diagnosis, this disease impacts us all, but hopefully in the not too distant future science will deliver effective treatments and cure for all cancers.

I am not a natural runner. I once did a 10k and said "never again". But if I can endure 5 months of chemotherapy and 60 hours in a cold cap, I can do this!

I will be running with my husband Richard. He's been my rock throughout this journey, and he'll be by my side on race day just as he has been throughout our 19 years together. We’ll also be joined by my sister Becky. We can’t put into words how appreciative we are for her unwavering support over the past year.

Thank you.