Just three months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, my mum, Beth Harrison, died earlier this year. Though those months were horribly difficult for her, Mum faced her illness with tremendous courage and, as always, never stopped thinking of others.
Just one example of this was her request that I run a marathon to raise money for charity. Quite honestly, I’m not convinced she entirely understood how far 26 miles is!
“That’s like running from Aberdeen to Insch, Mum,” I explained.
“Yup. That’s fine. Do that,” she replied breezily.
And so that’s what I’m going to be doing: running all 26.2 miles of the the Loch Ness marathon on 2nd October, 2011. Gulp.
The charity I’m raising money for is Cancer Research UK. Again, this was chosen by Mum. She selected this charity on the advice of the wonderful community nurses who cared for her in her final weeks. More research could result in reduced cancer rates, earlier diagnosis, improved treatments, increased comfort for terminal patients and more people making a full and lasting recovery.
I’m very proud to be supporting Cancer Research UK and am going to do my very best to reach my target amount. One Pound, One Euro, One Dollar… If you are at all able to contribute, I’d be extremely grateful. This is my Just Giving page where you can donate easily and safely:
http://www.justgiving.com/Wendy-Harrison
Watch this space for updates on training and fundraising progress!
I lost my mum 2 years ago. She was told she had indigestion. She died less than 3 months after finding out that it was actually bowel and liver cancer. So just let me know where and when to send the dosh.
Quite glad mine never asked me to run a marathon tho.
My mother died of cancer , too , and anything that stops that happening to anyone else is worth doing . As in , I’ll sponsor you and you run ! Meanwhile , I’ll try a lo-fat version of smoothie or two ( there is a low-fat peanut butter …. three grams lower or so . But every little helps.) .
Meanwhile , I’ll look at your photo and pretend .
Thank you so much, ladies. Didn’t realise I hadn’t posted the Just Giving webpage! Have done so now. It’s:
http://www.justgiving.com/Wendy-Harrison
Thank you so very, very much for the support. Reading your messages reminded me that it’s not just my Mum I’m running for. xxx
Your Mum will be so proud of you !
Good for you, your Mom would be very happy!! I myself am recovering from brain tumor surgery (successful,) and radiation and I wish you all best on your run! Good Luck,I will think of you.
I’ll be happy to contribute, Wendy…I know your Mum would be very proud of your efforts.
You’re awesome, Wendy! Your mom would, indeed, be very proud❤
I think you are amazing and inspirational. Your lovely Mum would be so proud. Happy to help and wish you love and luck x
Thank you, everyone! Feeling so good about this ’cause of you guys!
Goodness, no way you can refuse a request like that! Go Wendy! How brave you are. Will definitely sponsor you, but you’ll have to wait until after payday I’m afraid!
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. My heart truly goes out to you and your family. What a beautiful and special way to remember her. I’m sure she is very proud of you. Much luck with your running and fundraising.
Warmest regards,
Jenny
Good for you! I hope you have fun!
And, I think I have those shoes!!
Wendy, I lost my beloved grandmother to cancer, and it was thinking of her as well as how your blog has enriched my life that I donated. It was 16 years ago now when I lost her, but I still tear up thinking of her determination. You may remember that I finished a half marathon last spring, as part of my Lyme disease recovery ( http://ozarkhomesteader.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/i-used-to-be-a-runner-i-think-i-am-again/ ) . Maybe your marathon run will inspire me to try for the longer distance next year! I wish you a comfortable, beautiful run.