Well, what can I say? I enjoyed it so much the first time around, I've got myself a place in the London Marathon 2024 with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. 😁

Mum was so thrilled that I'm going to do it all over again, but we didn't realise this time it would be in memory of her.

I still have her voice ringing in my ears as I turned onto The Mall to finish the 2023 race' GO RUTH, GO RUTH' waving frantically as I shuffled past. In typical Mum style, she involved all the other people around her and the whole crowd was cheering for me. She'd spent the afternoon milling about London with Dad and had positioned herself in the Coronation Stand to see me finish. I texted Dad when I was at Parliament so they knew I wasn't far away and oh my word, it was the most amazing moment. And then I got to hug her with her 2002 London Marathon medal. It's a memory I will treasure forever.

Most people know by now but for anyone new to my fundraising...

Mum was diagnosed with lung cancer in late 2021 with a 12 month prognosis and very quickly underwent treatment. We knew that it wouldn't necessarily extend her life, but it would help to make the rest of it more comfortable. Mid 2023 we found out that the original tumour had grown and the cancer had spread to her spine causing a disc to collapse. More treatment to reduce the pain and then a month later we were warned that the disease was progressing further and she only had weeks.

On 3 September at 5.45am she quietly slipped away with Dad, me and Brian by her side.

The work that the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation does is incredible from supporting patients and their families with lung cancer nurse specialists to leading the way in securing screening programmes to improve earlier detection, treatment and therefore survival rates.

My Mum's lung cancer wasn't found early enough but charities like these have made a huge difference in providing support and making what is an unbelievably hard time, that little bit more bearable. When I messaged the RCLCF team after Mum had died, they sent the most thoughtful message back, offering me help and support. The team at the Foundation really are the most lovely, kind and caring people.

It would mean so much, if you would once again, think about supporting me and donating in memory of my amazing Mum. I know how tough this race is, I've got a PB to beat and I'll be doing it with all the love and support from you guys and I know my Mum will be there cheering me on. 😘

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