For Mum x
Next year, I’m hoping to complete the London Marathon, and I’ll be running for Target Ovarian Cancer, a charity that is incredibly close to my heart.
My lovely mum Gill was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2015 and in May 2022 sadly passed away from this awful disease. She had undergone many different treatments and surgeries over more than seven years, and by November 2021, the treatments had stopped working and there were no further options. Mum remained at home until she moved into hospice care, where she died peacefully, looking out at beautiful gardens and blue skies, surrounded by family.
My mum was my biggest inspiration and my best friend. We were pretty much inseparable, whether we were gardening, cooking, shopping, or simply spending time together, we just loved each other’s company. Even when we were apart, we’d have countless phone calls just to chat about everything and anything. She was the mum of all mums, not only to me and my brothers but to all our friends as well.
One of the reasons I’ve always wanted to run a marathon is because of my brother’s incredible effort. He ran 12 marathons in 12 months, raising awareness for this vital cause. Witnessing his dedication and the love he poured into every run, all for our beautiful mum, was truly inspiring.
Since Mum has died, I’ve spent almost three years travelling and living in different places, eventually settling in Australia. While it has been incredible in many ways, it was also extremely difficult leaving just a few months after she died, and I don’t think I ever truly allowed myself to live through the grief.
Now that I’ve returned home, I’ve felt that grief more deeply especially being in a place so full of memories. From family gatherings, parties, and weekends in the garden to simple everyday moments, everywhere reminds me of mum. So, I’ve decided to try and turn some of that pain into power. I want to raise awareness of this silent killer and help more mothers, daughters, friends, and sisters recognise the symptoms and get the support they need.
Every run I take part in is a step towards raising vital funds for life-saving research and desperately needed new treatments.
Any donation, no matter how small, would mean the world to me. I would be so grateful for your support.
This one’s for you mum.
I hope I make you proud, I miss you beyond words.
Thank you all so much
Love,
Rachel xxx
❤️