Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Any money I raise will be going toward helping a very special lady in my life. Being a very private soul, I have promised to honour her anonymously but I want to give you a small insight as to why this is the charity I’ve chosen to run 26.2 miles for.

More than 25 years have passed since this woman was first diagnosed with cervical cancer. Extensive, internal radiotherapy was used to try and kill cancer cells from the inside out, but it was so aggressive that doctors were left with no choice but to remove several cancer ridden organs from her body including her bladder. This life saving operation meant she could say that she beat the cancer and was able to watch her young children grow up. This elation, however was clouded with the realisation that for the rest of her days, she would have to live life with a Urostomy. The UA provided great support and guidance on how to return to a “normal” life after the operation and have continued to do so ever since. 

Her story took a dark twist about 7 years ago and she now lives with four bags, yes four, attached to her body. “A very small price to pay for the privilege of my life” she says.
The constant worry of an unfortunate mishap, her demanding daily routine and the intense pain she frequently endures is something no one else I know could comprehend. Yet not once have I heard how she feels sorry for herself, or complain about her condition, only how bloody lucky she feels. 

The Urostomy Association, along with immense support, provides a magazine, which is published three times a year and sent out to members of the association. It provides a forum for people who have undergone urinary diversion surgery and those associated with them; and gives them up-to-date product information and advice. The contact with others alike is a welcome comfort to all those who live with any type of stoma and I hope you too recognise the importance of such associations for all people dealing with any post cancer issues.

Thank you for reading. Please, get donating!