In November 2023, I lost my mom. Everything that I am is thanks to her care, selflessness and strength. I miss her every day.

During her final days of a long, fearless battle with cancer, my family found the most incredible support from the staff in the Mercy University Hospital, Cork. Their unwavering compassion in often such trying circumstances has stayed with me as a moment of pure tenderness in the darkest time of my life.

For this reason, I am running my first ever half marathon on May 18th in the Hackney Half to raise money for St Bernadette's Cancer Ward in the Mercy Hospital. My mom, also named Bernadette, worked as a health worker in that same hospital for over 15 years, acting as that same tender care and support for so many others.

When deciding who to raise money for, my family and I agreed that a donation in my mom's memory to a cause she dedicated her life to is the most fitting tribute possible.

Over two months ago I had barely ran more than 5km so this has been a massive but so far rewarding challenge for me and I'm determined to do myself proud. Any donations from family and friends are massively appreciated ❤️