Emily's Giving Page

Cancer is a truly horrible thing. Throughout my relatively short life, so many people I know and love have been impacted by it, both directly and indirectly, and I have seen the heartbreaking impact it has on families (including my own) and those that are left behind. Although I have lost people I care about and love dearly, I have also been lucky enough to witness firsthand the result of the vital work that Cancer Research UK does to help improve Cancer survival rates. My Grandad has beaten cancer twice in the last 10 years and although it was a very scary time for me and my family, he's been able to join us around the table on Boxing Day many times since then because of the lifesaving research that Cancer Research UK does. Last year, in the middle of the pandemic and whilst shielding, my Nana was diagnosed with cancer. Whilst we’d all been worried about her catching Covid-19, the big C had been secretly creeping in to cause fear and pain. What followed was the most turbulent few months of mine and my family’s lives yet. Appointments, scans, tests, and, eventually, an operation. Her recovery was long and complex, but today she’s doing really well. Cancer has knocked her about and she’s still reeling from the events of last year, but I know how incredibly lucky I am to be able to have her in my life today. Sadly, not everyone is as fortunate, which is why I've decided to raise money to help beat cancer sooner. To give more families like my own the chance to enjoy many more happy memories with loved ones. Originally, the plan was to run my first half marathon (Berliner Halbmarathon) and my first full marathon (London Marathon) just three weeks apart in April 2020. However, sadly, due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, the Berlin Halbmarathon was cancelled and the London Marathon was postponed until 3rd October 2021. That meant that I had to change things up a bit. So last year I cycled 100 miles on my bike from the comfort of my own living room, raising just over £500 for CRUK. This year, on Sunday 3rd October, I will run the London Marathon and I will do it for my Nana, my Grandad, and everyone who has ever been affected by cancer. Cycling 100 miles was a challenge, but I know that running a marathon (my first marathon) will be equally as tough. This will be the furthest I've ever gone before and I am under no illusion that it will be tough, but I love a challenge and I am absolutely determined to cross that finish line - no matter what it takes. Thank you for visiting my Fundraising Page and supporting the invaluable work that Cancer Research UK does. Your support means so much and I can't wait to run the marathon in October.