I’m using my ballot place to run the London Marathon 2025 for Myeloma UK.

Our family has been affected by Myeloma for the last 9 years; when our amazing mum was diagnosed back in 2015.

We were lucky enough to be accepted on to a trial, working towards a stem cell transplant, later that year.

Mum received fantastic treatment from the HOPE unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, she responded well to the drugs, underwent a successful stem cell transplant and the results were positive. She had nearly 7 years of good quality of life and watched her family grow.

Multiple Myeloma is incurable but treatable. The condition itself and the drugs to keep it at bay can be debilitating, painful and exhausting. We are now on third-line treatment following a second (unsuccessful) transplant.

It has been really tough, on body and mind but our mum is amazing. She takes on everything that is continuously thrown at her and has done so with incredible positivity, grace and gratitude.

Whilst my mum was taking on the world I felt like mine was ending. My mental health plummeted, and so... I stared running.

I'd never ran before but knew I needed to do something to keep up my fight. I ran couch to 5k…then 10k. And I went on and on as mums treatment continued.

As mum took on a new challenge, so did I. Running has helped me face my fears and channel my anger. My mums mentality has altered my own. Never did I imagine I would take on the London Marathon. In my mind the London Marathon was for athletes and fitness fanatics. I now see it is for lovers and fighters, which is what my mum has made of me.

We're so thankful for the research that goes into Myeloma and for those that share their stories. Each year new drugs are developed and trialed offering Myeloma patients, like mum another chance. The amazing work that goes on means we have hope for the future.

I’m here for HOPE.

Please contribute to the fight for a better future. For HOPE.

Together, We Are The Cure! 💪🏼

Sophie xx 🧡🖤