Back in 2022 I lost one of my best friends ever, Gillian Margaret Kirby.

It was almost exactly two weeks after her 56th birthday that Gill died. That early morning phone call from her husband, those words that a cardiac arrest had taken her, the tragedy of losing her too soon. Gillian Margaret Kirby, March 1967 to April 2022.

Gill was a wife, mum, sister, auntie, work colleague, and one of my best friends. We met through our son’s friendship when they were in year 3 and grew closer over the years. Through Gill my friendship group grew too as she introduced me to her friends and family. She was full of life, hosted great parties and impromptu get togethers. Her damson gin was legendary! Her laugh was infectious, her smile huge and full of warmth. She was generous with her time, supportive and a great listener.

We spent a lot of time doing family stuff with our kids like shared camping holidays, football, and rugby. But we made time for ourselves as well and learnt to ice skate together and shared ‘ladies only’ weekends away to London and Yorkshire with cocktails and afternoon tea. We were supposed to grow old disgracefully but sadly this was not to be. Everyone should have a naughty friend, and Gill was ours.

In celebration of Gill’s life and how she enriched mine I will be taking part in the 2024 London Marathon on 21st April. Some may say ‘madness’ or ‘foolishness woman at your age’.But I say.…If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough!!

I will be looking for your support my friends not only to get me through this journey and to the finish line on the Mall, but most importantly to help me raise as much HARD CASH as possible to support Heart Research UK in their work funding pioneering research into the prevention, treatment, and cure of heart diseases.

Dig deep my friends, every penny or pound will be used to great effect!! Thank you for your support.