SAMANTHA's Race for Life

My Story

It was on the 21st of June that I sadly lost my beautiful Nanny after her courageous battle with cancer. She was the heart of my family. Loving, strong, and endlessly caring. I will carry her with me every single step of this journey. I’m also running for my baby sister, who is currently battling a brain tumour with a strength and bravery that amazes me every single day. Watching someone so young face something so terrifying with so much courage has completely changed my outlook on life. Even through the hardest days, she continues to smile, stay positive, and fight with everything she has. What makes her even more incredible is that she isn’t only fighting for herself, she is using her voice to help others too. She has put herself out there to raise awareness, share her journey, and bring attention to the reality of brain tumours and cancer in the hope that it helps even one other person feel less alone. The strength it takes to do that while facing her own battle is something I will never be able to put fully into words. She is genuinely one of the bravest people I know, and I could not be prouder of her. But this run is also for so many other amazing people whose lives have been affected by cancer. For my Aunty Rose and my Aunty Kay, two incredibly strong women who have both faced battles no one should ever have to endure. Their strength, resilience and love for their families will never be forgotten. For my best friend’s mum, Mel, whose kindness and warmth touched so many people around her. And for my very good friend Magda, who throughout her own struggles always continued to care for the people around her. Even during the hardest times, she showed so much love, strength and selflessness, always thinking of others before herself. Her courage and kindness will stay with me forever. And for my work colleague, Ann-Marie, who is currently battling this awful disease whilst still going strong and continuing to work so hard every single day. Your strength and determination are incredible — you’ve got this. I run for all of you. This run is for everyone who has fought this awful disease, everyone still fighting, and everyone who has lost someone they love because of cancer. It’s for the families who stand beside them through the darkest days, and for the hope that one day fewer people will have to experience this heartbreak. Every donation, every share, every message of support means more than I can ever explain. By supporting this cause, you are helping to honour the people we love, raise awareness, support vital research, and bring hope to families facing unimaginable battles. Together, we fight. Together, we remember. Together, we keep going.