We lost our beautiful Dad, Ronnie Cornelius, this summer on 27th July 2023. Being the mighty strong man he was (in many ways), we didn’t know he had terminal pancreatic cancer until the week before he left us. This was very bittersweet - comforting that he didn’t suffer for long, but beyond painful that we didn’t have more time with him. None of us were prepared for him to go, least of all Dad himself.

Dad was a big lover of all sports, athletics included, and I had always wanted to run the London Marathon with him in the crowd. I never got round to it sadly…

So now’s the time - I will be running the 2024 Marathon on 21st April, the day before what would have been Dad’s 88th birthday. I thought about running for a cancer charity, but instead have chosen to fundraise for a charity that Dad was a big supporter of and was very close to his heart - Médecins Sans Frontières / @doctorswithoutborders. As a child born into poverty in Battersea to a single mum, and feeling the effects of war first hand by being evacuated aged 4 during WW2, Dad was always very moved by social equality / mobility issues and conflicts - the senseless loss of life, the displacement, particularly concerning women and children. And he was always in awe of frontline medical staff in affected crisis zones selflessly doing all they can to save lives in unimaginable situations.

As someone who believed fervently in equality, fairness and peace, MSF is an organisation that shares Dad's values and provides not just medical care but a message of hope and solidarity to those facing the most dire circumstances. They are neutral and impartial and treat patients based on medical needs alone, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation. 84 pence in every pound donated to MSF goes directly to medical projects. And because they are funded by individuals, not governments, they can act fast when a new crisis breaks.

I understand times are tight, but I would be grateful for any donations for MSF. I won’t be keeping you all informed with Strava logs etc, but will let know once it’s done! Thanks in advance for your generosity and support.

And Dad, I’ll be looking for you in rainbows on the way around the course. I love and miss you everyday. ❤️