Florence Marathon for Mary Potter

I'm running the 2025 Florence Marathon to raise money for the Mary Potter Hospice in honour of my mum, Shona Kavanagh, and other family members who were supported by Mary Potter before their deaths.

I think Mum might be a bit flummoxed that I am running a marathon - the first time she saw me running she was very concerned for my health ("you were so hunched") and suggested I enlist a running coach. I can imagine her telling me I don't have to put myself through this! But I know she would be glad that money is being raised for the hospice. Throughout her time supported by Mary Potter our whole whānau were awed at the care, dedication and respect that they treated mum with. They enabled her to live her life with dignity until the very end.

Mum had cancer for a long time and lived with pain throughout. Her palliative care doctor said he had never had a patient that could mask their symptoms as well as mum. She had incredible inner strength, so much so that many people close to her didn't realise how sick she was. I haven't inherited this trait; I'm a great complainer when I'm ill. That's a big part of why I want to do this: to push my body to its limit in a tiny recognition of everything she endured.

This run and the money raised is dedicated to Shona Kavanagh, Thelma Kavanagh, and Patrick Hogan.