🌼💛 42km for My Family 💛🌼

I can imagine that anyone reading this has been part of somebody’s cancer journey. For me, it’s been for the women in my family.

My mum won her battle with uterine cancer. My aunty won her battle with lung cancer. My grandma won her battle with breast cancer.

These last few months, however, have been especially tough. Before I left for Ireland, my grandma was diagnosed with lung cancer. I hoped that my “see you soon” wouldn’t be our last, but sadly, it was. Then, at Christmas, I got a phone call from my mum to tell me that one of my gorgeous aunties had been diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer.

Being so far away from home while all of this has been happening has been really hard. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about my family while training for the Milan Marathon.

I know running isn’t going to solve everything (and if I’m being honest, part of this is about fulfilling a personal goal of crossing the finish line). But if I can use that goal to give back, to honour my family, and to support others going through this, then it feels even more worth it.

The Otago Cancer Society and Otago Community Hospice have been such an important part of my family’s journey, so with whatever funds I manage to raise, I’ll split the total between the two charities.

So if you’re able to donate, share, or support me in any way, please know how grateful I am. 💛