Berlin Marathon for Cancer Research UK

Hi everyone, Emily here!

I will be running my first ever full marathon on 25th September to raise money for Cancer Research UK, the world’s leading charity dedicated to research on the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer.

According to the NHS, 1 in 2 of us will be affected by cancer in our lifetime. Absolutely. Nuts.

My mum, aged just 36, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. As with all things in life that mum has faced, she faced cancer head on, with an unapologetically positive mental attitude and unfaltering determination to come out the other side. My incredible aunt quit her job immediately and moved in to help care for mum, my sisters and I, 'Cher the hair' (her wig) became a family favourite extension of the dressing up box and the nickname 'crazy lady' has never faded from the way mum's hair grew back post chemo. Without a new lifesaving treatment (thankfully these days available on the NHS) that her doctor had to write to the insurance company to plead for, my mum would almost certainly not be here today. She would not have seen me or my sisters graduate, win football matches, celebrate birthdays, share her top party hosting tips, calm us down before exams or just guide us through the trials and tribulations of growing up. She is the strongest, most compassionate, truly selfless person I know, and I can only aspire to live life as wholly as she does.

What I would have done without her over the past 28 years I cannot imagine, and I am forever grateful that 5 years after her initial diagnosis she was declared cancer free. I am, however, very aware that she was incredibly lucky and that not everyone is as fortunate. I am eternally grateful for the work of charities such as Cancer Research UK, which really do help saves lives every year. In September 2022, I will therefore be running the Berlin Marathon for Cancer Research UK, for my marvelous Ma and for all those who have not been as fortunate to be here with us today. I would be beyond appreciative for any donations to this cause big or small!

Danke schön!

Em xxx