Jessica's Race for Life

In memory of

My Grandad and Irene x

My Story

Cancer is happening right now, and effects so many of us, which is why I'm taking part in a Race for Life 10k to raise money and save lives. I started this journey in memory of my boyfriends Grandma. A wonderful wife, friend and Grandma. A woman that was loved by so many and knew how to love. Whether it was making sure she was at the grandkid's football matches every week, picking them up and dropping them off wherever they pleased, to cooking the whole family a Sunday dinner every week (without a doubt the best Sunday dinner I have ever had), it was clear that family came first. She was a giver, and always made sure everybody was happy. I have never met someone so proud of her grandchildren, from the little achievements to the big ones. She always made sure they knew. Irene was not necessarily my "family" as such, but made every effort to make me feel part of hers. There was not a Christmas or Birthday where Irene did not make the effort to get me something. Not a single achievement from my GCSEs, A-Levels to getting into University where she did not make sure I knew she was proud. I now continue to my journey for my Grandad. I never thought I would be saying this. You were an amazing person. A great husband, grandad and friend. To survive a stroke that left you completely paralysed and learning to rebuild life differently is an achievement, even though a lot of it was yes, no or telling us when you want a cuppa. You may not have been the stereotypical grandparent who was able to take your grandkids out for the day, play football in the garden with us but you still made a huge impact on us. To lose you suddenly in such a short space of time, it hasn’t hit yet. I haven’t reached the realisation of it all. But, I try to think on the positive side. I can’t be selfish, you couldn’t do a lot but I had 20 years of you and that’s all I could have ever asked for. I will miss so many things about you Grandad, I will miss how you cried every time you saw us because that was your way of showing you cared, I will miss you asking for a pint of Guinness, but most of all I will miss you running over Nana’s toes with your scooter. You gave 20 years and they are 20 years I will forever be grateful for. I couldn’t have asked for a better Grandad and I love you with all my heart. I miss you so much already. 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Every single pound you donate makes a difference to Cancer Research UK’s groundbreaking work, so any donations will be welcomed greatly. All I can say is that is has been an absolute pleasure to have such incredible people in my life. I am doing this for them. ❤️