My Story
At the start of the year I told my mum that this year I would do the Shine Night marathon in order to raise money for Cancer Research UK for her, and I don’t think she quite believed I would do it…but here I am getting ready to walk 26 miles over night after my mum’s diagnosis just over a year ago. And although I’m still doing this for her which I promised I would do at the start of 2021, I’m also now doing this in her memory too. On the 16th May 2020, our lives were turned upside when my mum, Gayle, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer that had already spread to her lymph nodes, lungs and liver. Throughout the next 13, almost 14 months, my mum tried 2 different chemotherapies and a clinical trial which all ultimately ended up failing. Throughout this time the cancer spread further to her stomach, spine and small intestines. She also developed blood clots in her lungs too. Despite all of this however, my mum remained positive and always had a smile on her face - she almost made it look easy. She had the biggest heart which never changed even though life was so cruel to her, and she truly thought that she could beat this. Unfortunately on 28th June 2021 my mum slipped away peacefully holding my dad’s hand after whispering to him that she loved him. She put up the bravest battle I had ever seen and in no way deserved this outcome. My mum was such a charitable and selfless person, so I know she would be very happy at the thought of me walking this marathon to help a great cause. She was kind and always so full of love that she was willing to give to others, what happened to her was in no way fair. I just know that all I want to do now is make her proud. I’d appreciate any and all donations, no matter how big or small. For mum ❤️
