Valentines Day 2017 started out like any normal day, and I never realised that my life would never be the same again.

My beautiful mum had been diagnosed with cancer and despite being in hospital and the local hospice, she never made it home. I was nine at the time and being so young, I never fully understood what life would be like without her in it. Growing up, I missed her and still miss her like crazy.

I don’t have that many memories of my mum like other people do, but I remember she was the kindest and most caring person I’ve ever met. Even when she was ill, she never failed to make me and my brother Ben smile, always making sure our lives were as normal as they could be. I remember the holidays we went on, the times we would bake together in the kitchen and the times that we would just cuddle on the sofa and watch TV.

Over the last seven years, I’ve done so many things that I would have loved to have been able to share with her, my prom, my first boyfriend, my exams but I hold on so tightly to the memories that I was lucky enough to make with her. Every birthday, every Xmas I still miss her and wish that she was here with us to share those days.

Fast forward to 27th April 2025 and me and my dad will be running the London Marathon to support the Asthma + Lung UK and Macmillan Cancer Charities – this is special for me because it will also be my 18th birthday, and I want to celebrate my mum’s life by running for this special cause.

I remember when Mum was ill, the people at Asthma + Lung UK and MacMillan Cancer were always around for Mum and for me and Ben, helping to keep us smiling and making sure Mum was comfortable.

In April this year we also lost my Granny who was suffering from COPD, after my mum died my Granny was a constant in my life, always looking out for me, with her big smile and kind heart. The Asthma and Lung Charity who helped Granny throughout her life.

If we can give 1% of the determination, the spirit and guts that Mum and Granny gave every single day for five hours, then we will hit the finish line. To achieve this in memory of them both on my 18th Birthday will be special for me.

Please give whatever support you can - because you never do know what is around that corner.