Race of a lifetime

Not so long ago I couldn’t run for 6 minutes, now I’m about to run 6 marathons 🙃 2 of them in the same week! And I’m going to appreciate every single step. Who even am I?!😂Oh how my life has changed! Even though it’ll be a huge challenge, I’m going to give it my all. I know how lucky I am to be alive.

In 2021 I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. A moment I shall never forget but also a moment I’m hugely grateful for. It was a massive wake up call, a second chance at life & a reminder of how precious life is & to live it to the full.

It also gave me my new little best friend Audrey - my stoma!

By doing this challenge I hope to give back to those who helped me & tirelessly help others. I’ll be raising money for 2 charities close to my heart, Cancer Research UK & The Attitude Magazine Foundation, incredible organisations who not only change lives, but SAVE lives.

I want to do this to help raise awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms. Unfortunately it’s still the second biggest cancer killer in the UK. Quite often the symptoms are missed or people are sometimes reluctant to speak to their GP. This definitely happened with me. I didn’t tell anyone at first, I thought I was being OTT and I worried about being a burden. If you’re reading this and any of it resonates. PLEASE don’t make the same mistake - PLEASE speak to someone. Hopefully it won’t be cancer but if it is you can get help right away. EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES

Along the course of this challenge - right around the world! - I also hope to raise visibility & awareness of stomas - classed as a non-visible disability - and make it easier for anyone who might be struggling or worrying about the prospect of having one. Audrey has given me my life back, made me a better person… and a better runner believe it or not. I’m now faster with a stoma than without one?! Haha.

Like so many others, running helped save me. I used to be in a bad way & very overweight. Running transformed me. So when I was diagnosed with cancer I knew running would help me get through. I didn't know if I'd ever run a marathon again but I knew having that goal in mind would help me take the first step. At first, all I could do was walk. Very slowly. But those small steps led to BIG changes, physically & mentally.

“It’s not what you go through in life, it’s who you become in the process”.

Even though I’d never wish cancer on anyone, I’m grateful for the perspective it’s given me. I’m happier, healthier, fitter & trying to be better every day. Living life to the full is my daily FU to cancer.

I hope Audrey & I can show what’s possible post surgery, raise awareness & hopefully help others right around the world.

We’d love you to join us on our journey & help if you can. We start in Berlin in Sept, Chicago in Oct, New York in Nov & Tokyo, Boston & the place where it all began, LONDON 🇬🇧🏅next year😍 Regular updates to come!!

And finally, I want you to know that if you’re going through a tough time you’re not alone. Audrey and I will run these marathons for you… we will carry you in our hearts. Every step of the way. ❤️

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