Melissa's Race for Life

In memory of my mum xxx

In memory of

Ruth Reilly

1st Dec 1956 - 28th Apr 2017

My Story

I am doing the Race for Life in memory of my gorgeous mum, Ruth, who was taken from us far too soon. She was first diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2015 and was so brave when she went through her first rounds of grueling radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We got the wonderful news in January 2016 that she was in remission and she was so thankful for the support and care that she had received, that she made it her mission to run the race for life in July 2016. And she did it! With me, my sister, her granddaughter and son's girlfriend by her side as Rufio's Racers - we were so proud of her! Unfortunately, our story did not continue to go on and have a happy ending. In January 2017, we found out that the cancer was back and had spread to her liver and eye. Her health deteriorated very quickly and we lost our gorgeous mum in April 2017; less than 9 months after she had so bravely ran the race for life. This horrible disease has changed our family's life forever, taking away our rock. We have decided to reform "Rufio's racers" and run the race for life again this year in her memory and we know how happy and proud of us she will be. Anything that you can spare will be so appreciated and help in this urgent fight against cancer, which is affecting so many of us on a daily basis. Love you mum xxx