Without telling me, my thoughtful husband entered me into this year’s London marathon. I didn’t know anything about it until I received my letter informing me I was ‘in’. I honestly thought it was a joke, but no, I had been allocated one of the much sought after ballot places.
After some thought and zero training I decided to carry my place over to the 2018 London Marathon, so now the training begins!
I would be really grateful if you could sponsor me via my Money Giving page. I need the motivation to get out running, as it really isn’t something I love or enjoy! Shortly after completing the Brighton half marathon in 2015 I found out I was pregnant and I haven’t been running since!
I’m raising money for a great local charity – Hayley’s Heroes. My good friend Rhea Crighton was diagnosed with cervical cancer earlier this year shortly after having her little boy. She has done an amazing job of kicking cancer’s butt and this charity has supported her during her fight. Read more about her story here.
The inspirational founder of Hayley’s Heroes, Hayley Martin was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2011, something my Nan sadly died of in 2015. Hayley received 6 months of chemotherapy treatment and was given the all clear, shortly afterwards she became pregnant and gave birth to a little boy Freddie. Sadly the cancer returned and Hayley was told that this time it was terminal. Hayley dedicated the rest of her time to tirelessly raising thousands of pounds for the Charles Dickens chemotherapy day care unit at Maidstone Hospital, where she received her treatment. Hayley went on to open a cancer care room at the Hospital called ‘Hayley’s Room’ which was created to give patients somewhere to relax before and after treatment, a room that Rhea used during her treatment at the same hospital.
Hayley didn’t stop there. Following her diagnosis she also set up Freddie’s Friends a support group for young adults diagnosed with cancer, a group that Rhea has found helpful and who meet monthly in ‘Hayley’s Room’ at Maidstone Hospital.
Hayley sadly lost her battle with cancer in January 2016 at the age of 31, but her legacy lives on. Please sponsor me so Hayley’s Heroes can help give young adults with cancer, like my friend Rhea, something to look forward to. Whether it’s a short break, a special day out, or something to look forward to after treatment, this great charity helps them to make the most of every moment and gives them a boost during the toughest of times.
You can find my Money Giving page here. I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.
Gemma xx