In July 2022, my Mam was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. It’s true when they say cancer diagnosis of a loved one is Earth shattering.

My Mam is my hero- in every sense of the word. For somebody who has been labelled a ‘fixer’ many times in my life, I’ve struggled massively with my total inability to make it better for her. To watch her face this inequitable battle with no other option but to be a pillar of support to her, has been like living a bad dream- day in, day out.

This June, I am doing the one I can think of that may contribute diminutively towards Mam’s ongoing treatment, aswell as the treatment of others in the future that face this same battle.

Around 20 years ago, 4 in 10 cancer patients were alive 5 years post treatment. In 2023, that figure is 6 in 10 and that is largely down to huge strides that are being made in Cancer Research.

I’ll be running the Women’s Mini Marathon on June 4th, to raise funds for Blood Cancer Research Ireland- the network of collaborators here on the ground actively aiming to uncover new ways that Irish blood cancer patients can overcome this disease. They are giving families like ours hope.

Fun fact is that after multiple sports injuries, a year ago I would have made every excuse under the sun to never run again, ever.

This is a real case of mind over matter- totally inspired by my Mam.