Gemma's Race for Life

Cancer. Statistically, we have a 50% chance of being diagnosed at some point in our lives. In simple terms for the average family that means either you or your partner, one of your kids, one of your parents and one of your siblings will suffer the fate of this horrendous disease in some form. That’s quite a scary thought isn’t it? The truth is cancer doesn’t only happen to those who take risks, such as smoking and poor lifestyle choices. It too often Sod’s law and there really are no boundaries as far as cancer is concerned. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich, poor, famous, young, old or fit - it really could happen to any of us and the ones we love. Yes it’s true some people have a higher chance than others, but none of us are immune. These shocking figures need to change. That’s why I’ve decided to take part in the 5k Pretty Muddy Run in May. Together, a team of us will be completing the challenge to raise money for Cancer Research. None of us are athletes and I’m probably the unfittest I’ve ever been in my life. But we’ve all experienced the recent loss of a special person due to cancer and we want to do something about it. We want to help reduce the chances of people getting cancer and increase the survival rates for those that are diagnosed. Survival rates have doubled in the last 40 years but as we’ve experienced, people are still dying from cancer far too young and so much more needs to be done. Watching a loved one fighting against cancer is awful. But watching them lose their battle is absolutely heart breaking and makes you feel helpless. There’s an emptiness that can’t be filled, a life that finished too soon and a heavy feeling of injustice. Then there’s seeing those left behind who are completely shattered and you can’t fix it, making you feel helpless again. Without the amazing work of Cancer Research I wouldn’t have my husband or my 2 miracle children. More recently, cancer treatments gave us more time with Michael but what we really wanted was it eradicated not more time. He had the courage and determination but they didn’t have the cure. Everyday we wish he was still here with us. So while I’m running in mud and feeling the strain of being unfit, I’ll be thinking of these statistics and the cancer battles those close to me have fort. And I’ll be hoping that soon there will be a break through so those I love don’t become another cancer victim. If you have a few pounds spare to sponsor me I would be incredibly grateful. And just maybe in time we can change the statistics.