I’m running the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 12th April 2026 to raise funds for Newbury Cancer Care, in memory of my Auntie Chris.

In August 2025, Chris began feeling unwell with breathlessness and a loss of appetite. Chris was sent to A&E, where she was initially told she had pancreatitis and blood clots on her lungs. But following further scans and tests, we received the devastating news that this was a misdiagnosis. Chris had cancer that had originated in the gallbladder and spread to her stomach and liver.

Chris’s first oncology appointment confirmed she had Stage 4 cancer that was extremely aggressive and incurable. She was admitted to hospital immediately, and within days we were told that treatment was not possible due to how rapidly her health was deteriorating.

Chris was transferred to Newbury Community Hospital where she spent the final two weeks of her life. She died on 20th September with Mum and I by her side, just over five weeks after her initial diagnosis. Losing her so suddenly was heartbreaking for all of us. Chris was always so full of life, so watching her decline so quickly was incredibly hard.

One of the only comforts during those weeks was that Chris was given a Rainbow Room, funded by Newbury Cancer Care. These rooms are designed specifically for end-of-life cancer patients and their families. Chris’s room had a private hospital space connected to a family room with a kitchenette and sofa bed, so we could stay with her day and night. The room also had a ‘Cuddle Bed’, which extends into a small double, meaning families can sit or lie beside their loved ones for extra comfort.

We spent Chris’s final days trying our best to comfort her, playing her favourite music, and making countless cups of tea just to keep going. Some of the lovely nurses and doctors who cared for Chris even found ways to make her smile at the darkest moments.

I’m running this marathon to help fund more Rainbow Rooms, whether that means new cuddle beds, or anything that makes the most unimaginable time a little more bearable for other families. Above all, I’m running in memory of Chris, and for my incredible Mum, family, and friends who have supported me through everything.

Thank you so much for reading, and for any donation you’re able to give. It truly means the world.