Sharon's fundraiser for Al's Pals & Macmillan Cancer Support

This year I will be running both the London Landmarks Half Marathon (LLHM) and the London Marathon. I have never run more than 5K and I know you are thinking: "crazy!" but my story below will explain my reasons why:

In 2023, my life and my family's was turned upside down. On February 6th my husband cycled to work, like any other normal day, but on this day, he was knocked off his bike by a coach. He sustained 3 fractures to the neck and back, but while scanning for internal trauma they found a tumour. This tumour was found to be cancerous and advanced. With no prior symptoms, this was quite a shock to us all as he was a fit, health-conscious 44 year old. (Glenn's story was featured in October's C4 Stand Up 2 Cancer programme. See link: https://www.standuptocancer.org.uk/about/stories/glenn's-story-colon-cancer )

While Glenn was alive, we had discussed the idea of me running the marathon as he was a keen marathon runner when we were dating. Although I had run a few 5K races, I had never run a marathon or even trained for one. After not being successful in the ballot, Al's Pals thought they had a spot and offered it to me - however this was later confirmed to be the LLHM so I was lucky enough to gain a spot with the Macmillan team.

So, on the 6th April I will be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon. This will be my first long run at an event and sponsorship will raise much needed funds for Al's Pal, a local charity that supported Glenn through his journey (please see the links below).

Main page: https://alspals.org.uk/

Testimonials: https://alspals.org.uk/testimonials/

This is an fantastic charity. It offers a personal buddy service to cancer patients and their families. They offer support, companionship, empathy and a listening ear to any cancer patient from the start of their Cancer journey through to the end, both at home and at Milton Keynes University Hospital. They were a real support to my husband and I want to help raise money to help them continue the compassionate support they deliver.

Then, on the 27th April, just 21 days after the LLHM, I will be taking on a physical and emotional challenge by running the London Marathon and raising money for Macmillan. ( https://www.macmillan.org.uk/)

The Macmillan Team at Milton Keynes Hospital were there from the start to help us navigate the devastating news and gave us all the support we needed to understand what was ahead of us and how to talk to our young children.

This year (2025) it will be 15 years since my husband ran his last London Marathon - the day after our first date! And the 2025 event will be the day after my birthday. I have happy memories of filling out the entry form together and him saying: "he'd be with me at the finish line".

Sadly Glenn passed away on the 9th May 2024 (2 weeks after the ballot closed) but I can still remember how excited he was that I had entered.

Running has given me something to focus on and it would be an amazing achievement for me, but also I really would like the chance to run the marathon to celebrate the most amazing and courageous man, my husband, and keep my promise to him...and make him proud.

I would like to raise a minimum of £3,000 for two amazing charities - Al's Pals (£500) and Macmillan Cancer Support (£2,500). Yet, I would love to smash this target and any money raised above the £3,000 threshold will be split equally between the two charities.

Both of these charities were there when my family and I needed them the most. Please give what you can.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my Go Fund Me page.