In 2019, my world took an unexpected turn when my mum faced pancreatic cancer. Life, as we knew it, changed for our entire family. At that time, I was engrossed in dance college, oblivious to the severity of her illness.

Upon returning home in July 2019, my mum's health took a sudden dip, leading to a hospital stay after a seizure. A month of uncertainty followed, with doctors struggling to pinpoint her condition. Eventually, the diagnosis came - stage four pancreatic cancer, with a prognosis of less than 6 to 9 months.

Despite the bleak news and her inability to undergo chemotherapy, my mum faced it all with remarkable strength. St Richards Hospice became a vital support system during the last two weeks of her life, offering round-the-clock care and comfort.

St Richards Hospice was truly exceptional, always welcoming us whenever we wanted to be with my mum. One particularly special evening, it felt like I was having a sleepover with my mum – a cherished memory reminiscent of the times I used to enjoy as a child.

My mum, my best friend, passed away, leaving an irreplaceable void. In her memory, I decided to run the London Marathon, not to prove speed but to show the mental resilience I've developed since her passing.

The marathon, for me, is a journey of personal growth rather than a race against time. It's about the strength my mum instilled in me. As I navigate the course, each step serves as a reminder of the mental fortitude cultivated since her passing. That's why I'm running the London Marathon for St. Richards – a cause close to my heart, my way of giving back to the amazing support they provided.