In Honour Of My Mum - Linda MacKenzie

In late 2018 our beautiful mother, nana, sister, daughter & friend developed a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer called Cholangiocarcinoma. This cancer is difficult to treat and as a family we all did everything possible to help support mums journey. We were blessed to have so much more time than first suggested. We made the most of it! What beautiful memories we will cherish forever.

As mum's condition worsened and our support grew. The incredible district nurses, our own family & friends, local community & most importantly the North Haven Hospice made this journey so much more bearable. No one should lose their mother so young and cancer has no doubt affected many but it's the kind, caring people like those who work for the Northern Hospice that support not only those affected but also those around them. I cannot ever thank them enough for this.

In true mum form she showed courage, fight and share determination but after 2 1/2 years of fighting on the 13th May 2021 this very beautiful women passed away at home. She was peaceful, surrounded by family and most importantly surrounded by love. She has once again taught us all to never give up, fight for what we stand for and always be grateful for those who give to us. I promise I will always do this in honour of her.

This year I was told I should consider not running long distances like a marathon distance for health reasons. For those who know me well, this is not easy news to hear. But all is not lost. I have my health and I choose to keep it that way. So on May 7th 2022, almost a year since my mum passed away, I will be running my last full marathon in honour of her. I'm raising money for the North Haven Hospice. I want to give back to those who gave so much to our mother and family during a very difficult time.

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we deeply love becomes apart of us."