The day the person you love is given a terminal prognosis is bleak. It is literally one of those 'stop all the clocks' moments - you can't work out how everyone else is still going about their everyday lives, while yours has fallen apart.

My husband Simon was given a 3 months diagnosis back in March 2012 after battling cancer for 3 years. I think processes have changed a lot since then, but we were given that news and then left to get on with it. These were the darkest days - full of anxiety and fear. And nobody to talk these things over with or get advice from.

That is, until in desperation I phoned the McMillan help line and they put me straight in touch with St Catherine's Hospice... and my world changed.

Finally, there were people who gave us time and support and listened and cared. And this was an absolute lifeline to both of us.

I remember once, phoning up after a particularly bad night and just crying down the phone - I couldn't even speak - and the person on the other end just said, 'It's ok.....'

They gave us so much support - emotional, practical, medical - all given with gentleness, patience and a lot of humour - which we particularly needed and appreciated!

Even after Simon died on 16th February 2013, I continued to receive support through conversations and counselling, which really helped me to begin to come to terms with what we had all been through and to face a new life without my husband.

On Sunday 27th April 2025, I will be pounding the iconic streets of London to raise vital funds for St Catherine's Hospice. With their help, we can continue to be there for terminally ill people in our community through this challenging time and beyond.

26.2 miles is no mean feat, but it is nothing compared to the pain that people living with a terminal diagnosis go through, so I consider it a privilege to be given this opportunity to run for St Catherine's.

Thank you so much for your support. I really do think of all of my sponsors as I run - and knowing you have backed me will keep me going on the day (as well as through the winter training months!)