So, a few months ago, I decided to put my name into a hat for a place in the 2021 London Marathon – why not, I thought, my name will never be picked. Oh, how wrong I was! My name was drawn out and here I am, with 6 weeks now to go!

However, I truly believe that this was meant to be as I have tried to obtain a place in previous years but never been successful. This year I have got a place at a time when I have a strong reason to run…………. my Mum! 

For those who don’t know her (and those who do), my Mum Trish Powell is an incredibly kind, caring lady who is a force of nature – my inspiration!

Two years ago she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma (skin cancer). After two operations and wonderful care at Whiston Hospital she was given the good news that it hadn’t spread into her lymph system. However, in May this year all that changed and in June she received the news that she has Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma which has spread undetected throughout her body, including her pancreas and lungs.

She was put under the immediate care of the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool and offered a treatment pathway of pioneering immunotherapy treatment – it is the stuff of science fiction, but she is living it! The treatment is proving to be a real rollercoaster but my Mum is staying so strong and positive.

A huge part of that is due to the incredible Clatterbridge Cancer Centre which has been so supportive, proactive, caring and empathetic – the staff are truly wonderful. It is a flagship hospital delivering a wide range of highly specialist cancer care including the amazing pioneering immunotherapy and gene therapy; they carry out a huge amount of research and clinical trials for these new treatments which is internationally recognised.

My Mum really is my role model so, if she can fight this, I can run a marathon……I hope!

With this in mind, I am asking that if anyone is kind enough to wish to support my endeavours, please make a donation to the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity which raises money to fund more of this life-saving immunotherapy research and innovations in care. Immunotherapy will transform cancer treatment for generations to come!

Thanks everyone!