Gemma's Race for Life

Cancer has touched my life in many ways over the past 5 years. There have been ups and downs, losses and wins and a lot of heartbreak. So many of my loved ones have been touched by cancer in various ways. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, and my brother-in-law was diagnosed with throat cancer. I've had my husband's uncle lose their battles with cancer and my Father in Law lost recently, lost his battle with stomach cancer in March 2018. My greatest loss and the one which has been the hardest to deal with, was the loss of my Mother in September 2015. My Mum was a shining star, she was one of a kind and was the best Mother there could be. She was hard working, caring for my Dad and brother in the family home, and my older sister when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, in 2015. She loved her family and always made a fuss of her grandchildren, especially my sister's daughter, who would stay over often. I know everyone says their Mum is number one and one of a kind, but she was so special and she had been through is much in her life and still fought back to live the best she could. In late July, 2015, after the advice of a friend, I took my Mum to A&E as she hadn't been able to hold her weigh on her legs for a few days - nothing prepared us for what the Dr was going to tell us! After a scan of her brain, we were told the devastating news that she had a high-grade cancerous brain tumour, and unfortunately there was nothing that could be done as it was in hw late stages. After a 2 week stay at hospital, we welcomed her back home and we nursed her, bathed her, cared for her and spent as much time with her as we could, until 8 weeks later, she passed away on a Saturday morning just before 6am. It was the hardest moment of all, having to watch her leave the house, knowing I'd never see her smile, hear or laugh or sing "You're a star" to me again. My heart broke into so many pieces that day and it will never be truly fixed. I know there are people who get through it, my sister and brother in law are prime examples of this! And this is why we need to raise money, so more people can live through this terrible disease. So althoug I am racing in memory of my Mum, I am doing this for everyone else who has lost their battle to cancer and also those survivors! Rest in Peace to all those we have lost...