Meghan Carolan

Why I’m fundraising...

I am taking part in the London marathon for my beloved auntie, Kim Robinson. Who we lost after a gruelling battle with ovarian cancer in September 2024. 

She was diagnosed with an aggressive form of ovarian cancer in October 2022, by the time of her diagnosis the cancer had already spread to some of her other organs, including her bowel. She endured chemotherapy, radiotherapy and had multiple surgical procedures. One of her main operations removed part of her bowel where she had to adapt to life with a stoma bag. She took all of this into her stride and fought on. She was declared cancer free for a short while, but unfortunately in April 2024 we found out the awful news it had returned and spread even further this time. I remember receiving this news with her about how the anti-cancer medication she was currently on was no longer working. It was an awful phone call for her to receive this news and I will never forget it. Me and my mum were with her at the time and we just held her. We spoke for a while and then she wiped her tears away. Then we did what we always did best.. in our true style went for coffee & did some shopping. That’s the kind of woman she was, brave, resilient and even finding laughter in the darkest of times. 

Fast forward a few months down the line some of her vital organs had began to slowly stop working, this included her stomach and kidneys. She spent the last few months of her life in addenbrookes, the garden house hospice and the Arthur rank hospice. Watching her take her last breaths is one of the most heartbreaking memories I have.

I am running the London marathon for the charity target ovarian. They’re a charity that for obvious reasons reside close to my heart. They dedicate their work to aiding early diagnosis. Which is crucial when relating to ovarian cancer. 

Ovarian cancer is aggressive and once spread can lead to other stages of cancer. The crushing reality of ovarian cancer returning is 70% if caught at stages 3-4. The reoccurrence is strongly influenced by stage of cancer, with some instances of earlier stages of ovarian cancer (stage 1) having a reoccurrence rate of 10%. Hence why early diagnosis is crucial. 

The charity also participates in government campaigning for symptom awareness campaigns.  

Running the marathon won’t bring my auntie Kim back, but I hope and pledge the money I raise will allow other families the opportunity for an early diagnosis and a glimmer of hope. 

I know she’ll be with me every step of the way. I’m doing this in memory of her, the love and light of our lives. The fight continues on for all those battling cancer and my thoughts and love are with you. 

I love you auntie Kim, forever x