A Race Against Time: Help Christine Reunite with Her Family

I’m taking on a personal challenge to raise money for a truly inspiring woman I’ve had the privilege to meet—Christine. Her story has touched me deeply.

Christine has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and her biggest wish is to visit her only daughter and three grandchildren in the U.S. Sadly, due to the high cost of travel insurance caused by her illness, making this trip has become financially impossible.

To help make her dream a reality, I’ll be running at least 5K every day for the next 30 days, starting Monday 14th April. I’m doing this to raise as much as I can to help Christine reunite with her family—while she still has the strength and time to travel.

Please see below for Christine’s story in her own words.

"My name is Christine and I have been diagnosed with terminal cancer in July last year. Since then, my doctors have been able to slow down and stabilise my cancer to enable me to enjoy some degree of quality of life for as long as possible.

Before my diagnosis I planned a trip to America to go and see my daughter and three granddaughters. Understandably this had to be postponed, but now I would like to make that trip while I still have the energy and strength to do so. The past year was a hard and slow journey in which I had to learn to walk again.

I would love to see my grandchildren again. During my illness my daughter made a couple of short trips to England to support me, but due to her studies and financial situation that has become not affordable anymore.

Under the circumstances the only realistic option I have to see them again, before my health deteriorates too much, is for me to travel to America. To make the most of any trip it will have to happen within the next few months.

It is also better for me to travel to them because of accommodation issues. Due to my illness, I had several installations and conversions done and it is not suitable and big enough to accommodate three young children anymore.

A second reason is the disruption to my daughter and grandchildren’s school years. My daughter is furthering her education and studies at university while she also works. She cannot take time off without jeopardising the completion of her degree entirely. Postponing her studies will result in extra tuition and university fees, which she does not have. Also taking my grandchildren out now and mid-term, will cause significant disruption to their school year.

Considering timing, costs, my health and accommodation it makes much more sense for me to make the trip to them. For these reasons I revived my previous travel plans.

Due to the hot Connecticut climate, the ideal time for me to go is in May/June as high heat will cause me issues with my health and strength, but a few weeks ago, when I started to make travelling arrangements, I ran into an unexpected obstacle. Due to my cancer the travelling insurance has become unaffordable. Normally insurance will cost a few hundred pounds, but because of my illness the quote I got from the insurance company is £6,000.

I have already saved up for my airfare and other travel expenses, but I simply cannot afford the insurance costs, it is the one cost holding me back. I am currently reliant on disability benefits and there is just no way I could save to meet the costs in time and I don't know what state my health will be by the time the climate is suitable enough for me to travel."

Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to making this happen. Your support means everything. Let’s help Christine create lasting memories with her loved ones ❤️‍❤️‍