From Marathon Struggles to Palace Recognition: A Journey of Loss, Remembrance and Community
April 2025 was very different to April 2024.
Last year I put myself (and my poor husband and Dad) through my second TCS London Marathon. An old injury had come back to haunt me early on in training and despite resting and taking things slowly, it was a brutal 'run'. I probably shouldn't have toed the start line - some 20-odd miles in and I was being seen by St. Johns Ambulance with a cramp from hell, low blood pressure and worryingly low body temperature, plus my original injury. But I was determined to finish what I'd started and I made it. 🏅
For a while, I was a bit embarrassed about my efforts. My first marathon wasn't exactly speedy and this second one was ridiculous! But my 'why' was my Mum, June. I ran to her at the finish line in 2023 and I ran in her memory in 2024 with the most amazing charity, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Over the last couple of years I've really got to know the team and it is a great honour to be part of their community.
Just last weekend I dashed into London to join them at their cheer point on the course of the 2025 London Marathon and spent time with the lovely ladies who'd previously looked after me. Their joy and love is so genuine, it's the most amazing feeling.
So when the invitation came through to represent the charity at Buckingham Palace for a reception to recognise community-based cancer support, what I'd achieved became really clear. It's not about who I'm not; it's not about how fast or slow I am. It's about using my experience of loss and grief to power me on to make a better future for everyone who might come into contact with this disease.
His Majesty The King said 'moments of kinship create what I might call a "community of care", one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.' And this is precisely what this charity does - I'd like to extend that to include families and friends too, they really keep you going.
It was a true honour and privilege to join other remarkable people connected to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and celebrate the 'very best of humanity'.
This month, I'm trying to make a return to running and am taking part in the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation Run 3k a Day in May, which is a great way to have some accountability and raise funds at the same time! Feel free to check up on how I'm doing and donate here.