Marathon for Meg

This is my beautiful friend Meagan and her son, Lucas. In 2008, Meg was diagnosed with breast cancer which was treated with surgery at the time. In 2014, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to stage 4 lung cancer and metastasis in the liver, and Meg underwent nine months of chemotherapy and drug treatments to stop the cancer from spreading again. The chemotherapy reduced the tumours significantly but just as I was putting this information together last week, I received news that Meg had suffered yet another setback and now needed to consider radiation treatment.

Meg has an incredibly determined and supportive partner named Paul, and three gorgeous boys; Isaac 17, Elijah 9 and Lucas 5. Last year, when Meg told me that she just wanted enough time to see her boys finish school, I was heartbroken. I stood there watching my own three children, soaking wet and shrieking with delight, as they chased each other around the back garden with a hose. It was at that moment that I truly realised the enormity of what Meg and Paul, their children and their families are really facing. I didn’t know what I could do to help, but as something is always better than nothing, I decided to run a marathon.

In just under four weeks’ time, I will be doing my best to complete the Canberra Marathon. My last marathon was six years ago and I was a lot younger and fitter back then! I don’t care though, whether I’m still running when everyone else has gone home; I just want people to support me so that I can pass lots of love and encouragement on to Meagan. If you are able to sponsor me, I would be extremely grateful. It would certainly be the motivation I need to keep up my training around Pennant Hills (the clue is in the name) but most importantly, it would really help Meg and her family. If you can’t afford to sponsor me, I totally understand. All I ask is that you send a message of support to Meg, Paul and the boys, via this page. Even if you’ve never met Meg or her family, I can guarantee they’d be over the moon to hear from you.

 In future, Meg would like to travel to Peru, for a series of alternative therapies which will also be of great benefit to her. Meg has been talking about this for months and has been waiting patiently as she receives chemotherapy here in Australia. I’d like to think that some of the funds raised could be a positive step in allowing Meagan to make that trip, and I can’t thank you enough for your support. Meg’s strength, warmth and positivity inspire me every day and I’m so grateful that she has been part of my life for over twenty years.

I ran 35kms last weekend and “All You Need is Love” by The Beatles crept into my head and would not leave. I think that says it all. My love to you and all those who make your life amazing. Go and kiss them right now. Peta xxx