"To help keep my mum’s spirits up, I really wanted to complete some sort of challenge for a charity and it had to be St Mark’s."
Early this year, my mum was diagnosed with colon cancer through a routine screening for bowel cancer. It was such a shock as she had no symptoms and felt well.
From the very first appointment, through to the successful robotic surgery to remove the tumour, the team at St Mark’s was fantastic. We are so lucky that St Mark’s is our local hospital and I wanted to say thank you by running the Royal Parks Half Marathon!
I was not a runner when I signed up to do this, I’d managed a couple of 5k runs but it had been a long time. I committed to a training plan and although it was hard it was so worth it.
I was very nervous and had an injury scare in the days leading up to the race but as soon as I crossed the start line this all went away.
I wasn’t running for a personal best or a certain time – I was running for my mum and everyone who has been through a similar situation.
I wasn’t particularly fast but you don’t have to be! These events are so amazing and everyone is rooting for you no matter what.
It was one of the best days of my life and to have my friends, family and mum (who has made a full recovery!) supporting me the whole way was incredible.
I was so touched by everyone’s kindness and generosity and would definitely encourage anyone to do the same, even if you don’t think you’re a runner, you can be if you put your mind to it!