As some of you are aware, 10 months ago, at just under 3 years of age, my beautiful, cheeky, courageous niece Mabel was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). Over the past 10 months she has undergone countless rounds of Chemo, lumbar punctures, blood & platelet transfusions, as well as endless steroids & antibiotics. Her resilience, bravery and strength throughout it has been truly incredible.

Over the past 10 months, Mabel, my Brother, Sister-in-law and Nephew have received amazing support from family, friends, hospitals and charities. The exceptional medical care, family support and days outs/experiences have meant that Mabel has been well enough to experience some 'normality' and enjoy days with her parents and brother doing things 3 year olds love to do, such as being a fairy for the day, playing with kittens, or meeting Father Christmas.

Having seen what Mabel has been through, and continues to go through, I wanted to try and help in any way I could.....and thats where the London Marathon comes in ! If Mabel can fight this horrible illness, and undergo all her treatment.....I can run for a few miles (26.2) !!!

On the 21st April 2024 I will be running in the London Marathon for both the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and the charity Momentum:

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity – exists solely to support the hospital, which has the largest paediatric inpatient and drug development programme in the UK, and provides world leading treatment and care. It is such a special place that feels like home, which has made a huge difference to Mabel’s recovery – she even looks forward to her visits to ‘the Buggy Hospital’ where she gets to play in their fantastic playroom, and where my Nephew feels comfortable to come and visit too.

Momentum Children’s Charity – supports families whose children are facing cancer or a life-challenging condition. They offer personally tailored support to the whole family through their family support workers, both in hospital and at home. Momentum have been there every step of the way, and have provided Mabel and the whole family with incredible days out and experiences, and have also funded a large part of the new paediatric oncology unit at Mabel’s local hospital, an amazing space where Mabel and other children with cancer in her area will continue to receive regular treatment.

I am pleased to say Mabel is now in the maintenance stage, which means that her treatment is less intense, although the chemo, steroids and lumbar punctures will continue until May 2025. This is why the support that The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and Momentum provide for Mabel, my family and so many other people is so so important. Any money we can raise for these incredible charities would be GREATLY appreciated.

My Just Giving page allows you to choose which charity you would like to donate to - where possible, we would love it if we could raise an equal amount for both charities.

Thank you

L xx