RUN FOR HELEN

We are running the Big Half Marathon 2022 for our dearest friend, Helen.

Our amazing friend, partner, mother and all round towering goddess of a human, has been given the devastating news that her cancer has returned and, this time, is untreatable.

Helen’s first experience of cancer began two years ago when she was pregnant with now two year old Elsie. It meant a stressful and abrupt end to her pregnancy and then life with a newborn whilst undergoing chemotherapy. Helen took it all in her stride and seemingly all was well.

Around a month ago Helen had some difficulty breathing and went back into hospital. Tragically, they found that the cancer has spread to her liver, the dire prognosis being that she will have two years to live.

Friends and family have rallied around, thinking of ways to raise funds for her to just provide a financial cushion over the next couple of years and to put towards Elsie’s future.

Unfathomably, in recent days Helen has been told that her treatment isn’t working and what was two years has now become weeks.

We had planned to do the Big Half Marathon in September to raise funds for her, but it seems the unthinkable reality will be that she won’t be here to see it. We will now run in her honour and all donations will go into a trust fund for Elsie.

Many of you will know Helen in all her awesome kindness, creativity, warmth and humour. I mean, she’s basically a unicorn. But to all that don’t know her - if you can afford it - please donate even the smallest amount and consider it a pint or a coffee! Money obviously can’t replace a parent, but in the face of this hideous disease, it’s something actionable that we can do to make Helen feel bolstered and support her family.

Please share share share AND even better, JOIN US. It’s a couch to half marathon situation for many of us so we will walk, crawl and roll to the finish line together. Location and distance don’t need to stand in the way, wherever you are and whatever the distance, please get involved!