Lizzie's story

In April I will be running London Marathon. This is a big deal and I cannot put into words how much it will mean to run with the support of my family, my Dad and friends there! My biggest WHY, my motivation and my inspiration for this is my Dad. In September 2015 my Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Hearing these words broke my heart but if my Dad could find all the strength, hope and determination to fight it then so could we as a family. You come together and you give the most support and love that you can to everyone that needs it. I didn't realise that I didn't give myself an outlet. My Dad didn't break and stop fighting so I couldn't either but something I have found hard to learn is that actually its ok not to be ok sometimes. Running is now my outlet and time for my thoughts. Im choosing to do this marathon for me, for something to make my Dad proud of and a chance to give back to a charity that can help so many. Does it scare me.....YES MASSIVELY!! Choosing to put myself out of my comfort zone is really really scary, but sometimes you don't get to make this choice. You don't get a choice with cancer, it doesn’t care who you are. I have always struggled with my mental and emotional strength but focusing on my 'WHY' puts things into perspective and motivates me even more. I am one of the lucky ones that gets to say my Dad is still here, I still get to see his face and hear his voice, he fought cancer and is strong now with only regular check ups. I want to raise as much money as I can to give other people the chance to say this too. I am hoping this shows that sad and difficult times can make you stronger and push you to achieve your goals as I try to achieve mine. Running marathons is the hardest challenge I have put myself out there for but its one of many challenges to come for me, for cancer research and hopefully to help and inspire others too. Cancer is real, I lost my grandad to it, my dad had to fight it and my husbands nan is currently fighting. Cancer is happening right now, which is why I’m raising money right now for Cancer Research UK. There’s no time to lose! Donate to my page today and help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. Donating through this page is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with Cancer Research UK.