My Story

For the first time, St Peter’s Hospice have been given 12 charity places to run London Marathon 2026. It is an absolute privilege to be given one of these places.

I will be running in memory of my Mum whom I call Button (Jenny) and Nick (my Step Dad), and everyone else we know who have sadly needed the support of St Peter’s Hospice. I have no idea how we would have coped without them.

Button met Nick in 2012 and in the years they were together I have never seen her so happy. They did everything together. They were like school children in love, had lots of inside jokes and finished each other’s sentences. 

Sadly, Button and Nick’s happiness was shattered during COVID when Nick was diagnosed with colon cancer. He lived 10 months from his diagnosis. Button’s heart was broken into pieces and she loved and cared for Nick throughout his illness with absolutely everything she could possibly give. St Peter’s provided hospice care at home and supported Nick and my Mum throughout his illness, this was especially invaluable at a time of lockdowns and shielding. Button could not speak highly enough of the support she received during this time.

Six months after Nick passed away Button was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile duct.

Never have I seen anyone tackle news like that as bravely as her. 9 times out of 10 she was still smiling. ‘There’s nothing wrong with me’ and ‘gotta keep going – gotta keep living’: we must have heard a million times. We squeezed everything we could out of enjoying life between all the chemo appointments and horrible stuff. Everyone constantly said ‘but you look so well’. Even though we saw the cracks towards the end, she didn’t let it stop her.

Unfortunately, my Mum was often let down by the NHS system. We were picked up and supported by St Peter’s at many points when we felt totally lost, let down and frustrated. They became the main point of contact for all medications and reviews. They provided support to me emotionally and practically.

We were told Button wouldn’t have much of 2025 with us, however, we woke to a very different reality on Christmas Day 2024: she passed away at home in the afternoon. A nurse from St Peter’s still came out on Christmas Day and supported us and my young children. She treated everyone with the utmost dignity and empathy.

The NHS system is sadly broken. Everyone from Saint Peter’s are on another level of kindness. They called us back, turned up when most needed, and provided support like no other. I dread to think how we would have felt if there wasn’t a service available like theirs.

Unfortunately, we are not invincible in this life, and you never know when you will need a service like St Peter’s.

£2620 - £100 per mile. It's a lot to raise, but in a time of funding cuts our support is even more needed; please help me raise vital funds for such an incredible organisation.

In the words of my Mum throughout her illness I will be thinking through every mile ‘gotta keep going – gotta keep living’.

About St Peter's Hospice:

St Peter's Hospice are a local charity that provides free adult hospice care for everyone that needs their support.

From those diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, to those that care for and about them, St Peter's provide tailored and holistic care to those in need for over 40 years, free of charge. Within the Hospice or within homes, they provide care without prejudice, whether the needs are physical, emotional, spiritual or social. They help everyone in need to face the future with courage, comfort and dignity.

Any donation that you are able to make to support this cause will help make such a difference.

Wish me luck!