My Story

96 families stayed at Sam’s House, Bristol in 2024/25. Twelve years ago, 2013, our family was one of the many who stayed here too.

I’m running the London Marathon 2026 for Young Lives v’s Cancer - It wasn’t on my bucket list, but when the opportunity came up, I couldn’t turn it down.

Young Lives v’s Cancer provides accommodation that is a stone’s throw away from children’s specialist hospitals treating children and young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer.

To us, Sam’s House was more than just a place to stay, it was a safe, caring environment, and provided a warm and understanding welcome. It gave us a breathing space away from the hospital ward. With a kettle, a kitchen, communal lounge, and our own room, it was place to do our own cooking and get the washing done during long hospital stays. Invaluable support - which meant there was no need to worry about the logistical side of a cancer diagnosis that no one talks about. 

“Thanks to Sam’s House, the daily journey back and forth to the children’s oncology ward at Bristol Royal Infirmary was a 15 minute stomp up ‘killer hill’ (so steep it makes your heart and thighs burn), instead of a 160-mile round trip, back to our home in Swansea.”

I’m running for Young Lives v’s Cancer because I know the difference YLVS made to us - a chance to visit my brother for short weekends on the rare occasions he was out of isolation. I’ll never forget how excited I was to deliver a milkshake and a hand-picked build-a-bear to Geth at Bristol, as he was unable to leave the house. It was followed by an incredibly competitive game of table tennis and a meal together - something which seems small now but meant the world, a moment of normality. This will be my first ever marathon, whilst it’s a big challenge it feels like the least I can do for the families who find themselves in the same situation that we were.

If you’re able to donate, I’d be incredibly grateful. Diolch yn fawr iawn x