Introduction

Well, after speaking to my friend Jai from Seasons in Thyme Catering and hearing that she was signing up for the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run 10k, I knew it was just the thing for me, even though I can’t run to catch a bus, lol!

At first, I didn’t know what had possessed me, well, that’s a lie, I knew exactly why I did – for my mum and dad!

The last three years for our family have been a living nightmare. Back in December 2022, we were told that dad had stage 4 lung cancer and he only had months to live. Chemotherapy wasn’t an option, radiotherapy was taken off the table because his tumour was too big, and so immunotherapy was offered to him. I’d never heard of immunotherapy – it basically works by helping the body recognise and destroy cancer cells. After finding out about the side effects my dad was unsure whether he wanted it. Thankfully, he decided to give it a go, and I thank God every day that he did. Without it he wouldn't be here. His tumour has shrunk from 11cm x 9cm and was last measured at 4.1cm x 1.4cm and is now classed as dead cancer cells.

As my dad was coming to the end of his treatment, my mum was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in December 2024. She had to undergo a course of chemotherapy before she could have an operation. So, on my birthday this year, mum had her first treatment and dad had his last. Her body unfortunately didn’t tolerate chemotherapy very well, so her course was cut short. Mum then underwent bowel surgery in July 2025 to remove the remaining cancer. Luckily, surgery went well and although she didn’t have the full course of chemotherapy, it worked, and she is now cancer-free!

They have both been so brave, and they inspire me every day, and now it is my turn to be brave!

I am in awe of them, and I am doing this in their honour and for a dear friend of mine, who is still fighting her battle like so many – I pray for her every day!

My wonderful family have also signed up to run this challenge, Simon, Lewis and George. My beautiful friend Jai, who has been an incredible support to me, will be by my side training hard, so hopefully we do not embarrass ourselves too much on the day with our time, lol!

In addition to this being a huge personal goal for us, we aim to raise as much money as possible for this amazing cause, helping many more people in the future. So, if you can, please please donate – every penny counts!! Our thoughts go out to everyone who is affected by Cancer! Together, we will make a difference! Thank you!