Gemma's Amsterdam Marathon

As some of you know, I have been training since February for the Amsterdam marathon on the 22nd of October 2018. I wasn’t going to bother trying to raise any cash as I felt it was a lot of pressure. But circumstances have drastically changed and unfortunately 4 weeks ago my oldest and best friend, Charlotte , who we thought was a fit and healthy 27 year old, was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma which has spread to her lungs. Charlotte's initial Chemotherapy treatment started this week and will last 6-8 rounds (6-8 months) and in that time she will probably become quite poorly, suffering from the side effects of both cancer and the ABVD treatment.

I don’t need to tell you that cancer and chemo therapy is a stressful and emotionally draining experience but it is also a huge pressure on finances.

With this in mind I have decided to take the opportunity to turn my marathon challenge into a fund raiser for my friend. I’m hoping if I can even raise a small amount this could be used towards petrol and parking costs for the dozens of hospital appointments, to put towards a wig if it comes to that and just to generally take a little of the huge weight that cancer brings with it.

Anything you can spare counts and I’m sure having you guys behind me will spur me on the whole 26 miles!