Megan's Giving Page

Cancer is happening right now, which is why I’m raising money right now for Cancer Research UK by running the Oxford Half Marathon on Sunday 13th October 2019. I am always interested to know more about something as ubiquitous as cancer, and I love research - making Cancer Research UK the perfect cause for me to support. Working in the Oncology department at London Bridge Hospital, I see cancer patients on a regular basis. It’s a privilege to meet them everyday and I want to use my fortunate position to do what little I can for them, their families, friends, the doctors, nurses and surgeons. Cancer Research is a cause close to my heart, and seeing it affect these people makes me realise that these diseases could affect anyone and are, in turn, felt by everyone. The warmth that these patients have shown towards me and their braveness are incredible attributes, and the people I meet at work never cease to amaze me. One such amazing soul was Kerry. She was my Mum’s best friend: they met during their school years, holidayed together, spent time with each other’s families and had a shared love of gardening. She was another Auntie to me, making me fall in love with Ireland (where she lived) and making me laugh whenever I was around her. Having already beaten breast cancer, she was diagnosed again in 2018 and sadly passed away earlier this year. I know that my Mum really misses her lovely friend, and I do too because there really was no one like her. She was such a caring and funny person, and I want this contribution to Cancer Research to remember people like her and the work that went into saving her life. She’ll be with me all day when I am running in Oxford. There’s no time to lose! Please donate to my page today and help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. *** Since running my first half marathon in October 2016, I have decided to challenge myself to ‘30 under 30’: 30 half marathons before I turn 30 (in March 2025). The Oxford Half will be my eighth. Help every step that I run count towards something greater by sponsoring my run today. My top two recommendations for getting a hand on running, and learning more about cancer from personal perspectives: Listen to the You, Me and the Big C podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0608649 - Morbid? Irrelevant unless you’ve had or have a cancer diagnosis? Not so. Listening to these episodes inspired me to be more proactive towards this illness, taught me more about how it manifests itself, and made me value the contribution these women have made by sharing their stories. Join Park Run: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/events/events/#4.57/55.05/-2.95 - Want to try running in a supportive and welcoming environment, no matter what your pace, ability, style, age, gender? Park Run is the answer. Asides from books, it’s my favourite thing to recommend. Find your local one in the link above; mine is Greenwich, but I've also been a Park Run tourist in York and Oranmore, Co. Galway. Thank you for reading, and I hope that you can make a donation to this fundraising page.