My mum only survived 2 weeks after her cancer diagnosis. Sadly she was too scared to tell us sooner that she'd been so unwell, didn't want us to worry and didn't want to face the the possible terrible news we were given.
I remember that day all too vividly. Sat in a hospital side room holding her hand watching her face as she was given the news we had all dreaded "I'm so sorry, theres nothing we can do". Not a day goes by when I don't feel guilt for not noticing, not seeing her fading away before my eyes, not making her seek advice as she always said she was ok, just getting older, just losing weight, just busy being a mum, a wife, a grandma.
Just 2 weeks after her diagnosis (8 weeks after my son was born) she left our family - devastated.
I've decided to use that helplessness to help others.
I now know that early diagnosis saves thousands of lives each year, since mum went I have realised that a diagnosis isn't always the end. Cancer Research helps thousands of people kick cancers ass and I want to run for all those brave people out there who are saying NO to cancer. For friends, neighbours, family, colleagues, men, women and children who aren't burying their head in the sand are who are facing this ferocious beast head on!!!
Im running for you all, and with every footstep in memory of the greatest woman I've had the privilege to know - my mum!
“Come on EILEEN”
Eileen Jimminson 1939 - 2008
