During the month of May I am going to run 60 miles with the aim of raising as much funding as possible for Marie Curie. At first glance that sounds relatively easy, its 2 miles a day, but I don't (and likely won't!) run every day. I usually do one or two 5k's a week to tick over, so I thought about it in 5k blocks and I will need to run 5 x 5k a week in May to go through the target...which without overplaying the point is more running than I've done in decades :)

Marie Curie, as everyone knows, is a fantastic cause to support. Their hospices provide high quality care for so many brave cancer sufferers and much needed support for their families through what is, inevitably, an extremely challenging time in all of their lives.

This isn't something I've read on their website, this is something I know from first hand experience because just short of 20 years ago my beautiful, brave Mum spent her last months in Marie Curie, Woolton when it became no longer possible for her to be at home with the level of care she needed. My Dad, brother, sister and I and our family and friends were able to spend our time with Mum with the support of the amazing staff that cared for her so diligently around the clock for what became a number of months on end. The organisation provided the medical and emotional care, support and privacy that we needed as a family, which enabled my Mum to pass away with as much dignity as is possible in such a difficult time.

We were able to mark my 21st birthday as a family together in their family break out room and my Mum became a Nana to her first grandchild, my eldest son Ryan, during this time and whilst she couldn't hold him, she could spend time close to him in a safe and caring environment. These are bittersweet memories, but they are important ones I wouldn't have without the care of Marie Curie.

My Dad remained a lifetime donor until his passing in 2022 and me, my brother Stew and sister Steph have done various fundraising activities over the years since, including half marathons, a full marathon (Steph takes the credit for that one!) and Zip Wires off the Port of Liverpool Building!

However, it has been a while since I have undertaken a challenge on behalf of the organisation and so it was about time again. I'd make an excuse like life gets busy but its idleness...so I will get my running shoes on now!

These are just a few real life examples from Marie Curie of the costs that any funds raised will support:

£3 helps fund a meal for a patient in one of their hospices.

£26 helps fund an hour of bereavement support by phone / online.

£207 helps fund nine hours of overnight nursing care in a patient's home.

I know times are hard, the cost of living remains unsustainably high, and there are lots of calls on everyone's money. Any penny or pound, no matter how little you think or how much, will be extremely gratefully received. Thank you in advance to all who are able to donate, it is a cause very close to my heart.

All my love, Gra x