Hi, I’m Mary. I live on Chamberlayne Rd.

I can’t believe that I’ve become a Triathlon Team Captain (although my 11 year daughter Jessica tells me she is actually in charge of this team)!

The past two years have been really tough, after being diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer.

I had to stop work and do many months of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This often left me exhausted and fearful of the future. But my beautiful daughter Jessica has been my joy and inspiration to keep fighting, as well as the love and support from so many wonderful friends, family and neighbours.

Last week the doctors told me they cannot see cancer in my blood!

I want to follow-up this amazing news with a trip outside London this week and a walk around Blenheim Palace in a Sprint Relay team, supported by Giles (swim) and James (cycle). I will walk 5.4km. Maybe slowly. I’ve not yet had much time to start building my strength up properly again.

I will feel the magic of doing this with a giant team of 154 Kensal Rise neighbours and when I cross the line with Jessica (who will join me for the last 100 metres). I know many friends who did Blenheim Tri last year and I was so disappointed to miss it because I was sick.

Jessica has picked the relay team name of “The Warriors”. I like that. And I’d also like to show support for a community food initiative called “Gift Your Neighbour”. It’s supported by hundreds in our community - including our generous team sponsor Cuore Deli - and it helps more than 50 local families a week access healthy food, working with several local schools and charities.

£20, for example, buys a big box of bananas for 30 families or £10 buys ten bags of rice. But anything at all you can donate will be a massive help and your encouragement will help me, and my warriors (Jessica's warriors!), get around a hilly Blenheim course!

When I'm stronger I want to support others so they recover from cancer also. I also want to thank all the amazing oncologists at Charing Cross Hospital and everyone who has shown me such wonderful support over this very difficult journey.

Thank you for reading my story.

Lots of love to everyone. x