Nicola Brown
I'm running the 2015 London Marathon in memory of Lily Gray
Fundraising for Neuroblastoma UK
Story
Two years ago I had never heard of neuroblastoma. Then in January 2013, out of the blue, the youngest daughter of my friends Michael and Caroline Gray was diagnosed with it. Lily was eighteen months old at the time. Neuroblastoma is a rare form of childhood cancer which requires an intensive regime of treatment.
Lily responded extremely well to her induction chemotherapy between January and April, and to her surgery to remove a tumour in May. Her high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant in June and July appeared to go well. However in early September it became clear the neuroblastoma was just too aggressive and sadly she passed away on 19th September 2013 aged 2 years and 3 months.
I wanted to do something to honour Lily, my children's friend and playmate, who enjoyed the things most children do, even after she was ill, and during her treatment. Like playing with her big sister, running round gardens, hiding in playhouses, pushing prams, feeding the ducks, arguing over who gets to go down a slide first, singing nursery rhymes, watching Peppa Pig, exploring the countryside, eating birthday cake!
Lily was a funny, feisty and beautiful little girl, full of spirit, and I am grateful for the opportunity to run the London Marathon in her name and in celebration of her life.
Neuroblastoma is a nasty disease, often much more aggressive than other childhood and adult cancers. A breakthrough is needed to help children like Lily and this can only be achieved through medical research. The Neuroblastoma Society seeks the relief of children suffering from neuroblastoma, and to achieve this it raises funds for medical research into improving both diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The Society also offers an opportunity for parents to give each other mutual help, support and comfort.
This is not my first marathon (although it is my first for some time and who knows how my creaky bones will get on!) but this one is special, it's for Lily.
By sponsoring me and making a donation to the Neuroblastoma Society you will be helping to find a cure for neuroblastoma, which she fought so hard to beat.