Maggie's on the Runway is a gala ball to raise money for Maggie's, a charity that provides emotional, practical and financial support to anyone affected by cancer and their families.

After my diagnosis and swift intense treatment for a very rare cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei I was left feeling very lost, alone, scared and in mental and physical distress. I felt I had no one who could understand what I had gone through alone in hospital after major surgery and I was completely unprepared for how I would cope afterwards at home.

Its a strange feeling to explain but during diagnosis and treatment there are so many health professionals calling, organising and planning, so you feel very busy trying to get ready for surgery/treatment. There can be endless appointments and phone calls. But then once surgery is done and you are able to walk down that corridor and tick a couple of extra things on the go home list, you are sent home and then its radio silence. Although its lovely to be back home with your loved ones and home comforts, this is when you start to try and process what has actually happened, how, and what comes next. How do I manage the pain, what should I eat, is my wound healing okay, how can I inject myself again, constant nightmares. Just thinking about this now makes me feel quite suffocated!

I managed maybe 7 days at home and then I knew I couldn't carry on unless I could speak to someone. It was only a split second decision but my husband helped me to the car and we drove to Maggie's with no appointment or call to let them know I was coming - we just turned up.

I remember the feeling of warmth when I entered the building and immediately being offered a cosy quiet area to sit and I waited only a few minutes (in which time a cup of tea had appeared) when Lisa, a cancer support specialist, came and sat down to speak to me. It was the first time I could speak of everything that I'd gone through without feeling guilty or feeling as if I may upset someone. I spilt so much emotion that day and cried so much (something I felt I couldn't do at home in front of the kids) Lisa made me feel safe and understood, she asked me questions about my nightmares and made my feelings completely valid.

I left Maggie's that day with a plan. I felt so much relief having spoken to Lisa. Maggies have offered me therapies, activities and counselling. I have popped in many many times and spoken to therapists, psychologists, other patients and always had the most wonderful experiences like no other. I can't even imagine how or what my recovery would have been like without Maggie's and all the incredible staff!

This is why I will be taking part in Maggie's on the Runways on November 17th 2023, a huge event that raises money to keep Maggie's centres all over the UK open and able to give FREE support to anyone and everyone who come through there doors and whose lives have been affected by cancer. Maggie's runs solely on donations.

I will also be organising a community bake sale around the area I live in and run a 5K!! Venue / event is still TBC but I'm looking to run it in December this year. Trust me this is a big thing, as I am not a runner and whenever I have tried in the past I have hated running!!

If you could donate even a couple of quid it would mean the world to me and my family and it will contribute to helping other people and families in need. THANK YOU & THANK YOU MAGGIE'S