Since signing up to the marathon and receiving lots of generous donations, Addenbrooke's Hospital means even more to our family and friends than it did before.

Initially I was running the marathon to raise money for Addenbrooke's after all they did for Mum after her aneurysm (bleed on the brain) in November 2018. Mum underwent life saving brain surgery and received faultless care. Mum has never been one to be on time so as expected, she kept us waiting and 5 days later she woke up! When testing her memory, she was sure I was attending Oxford University and Hannah was her favourite child so she clearly needed some time to make a full recovery!! Mum spent a total of 4 weeks in Addenbrooke's and 2 weeks in Ipswich Hospital before making it home just before Christmas!! We were not told at the time, but Mum had a 10% chance of getting back to her health before her accident and thanks to the incredible staff at Addenbrooke's, she was in the lucky 10% and is back doing most of what she loves.

Unfortunately since signing up to the marathon, Dad has had his own health complications and in December 2023, had surgery to remove a brain tumour at Addenbrooke's. Surgery went well and he returned home the next day. However he has since been diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 brain cancer and continues to be monitored by Addenbrooke's as he takes on radiotherapy and chemotherapy in Ipswich Hospital.

The news has come as a shock to us all but we have had so much love and support for which we are extremely grateful.

No thank you will ever really be enough, but I hope you can support me to raise some money for this fabulous hospital which has done so much for us and continues to do so for many other families.

Thank you for any donations, they will really push me around on the day! Most importantly, hug your loved ones and appreciate each day- life is far too short.

Lauren :)