Time to take things to a slightly more serious place than they have been lately.
I’m not sure what the statistic is, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that one in three people has lost someone they care about to cancer, or knows someone who has fought cancer. For me, there were three people:
My friend Lily, who was brave beyond belief, and fought acute recurring leukemia throughout her life, sadly to die before her 13th birthday.
My Aunty Helen, who died of skin cancer, leaving behind two children, a husband, a sister, and an extended family who all loved her very much.
And my beloved Grandad, who finally stopped fighting on the 17th of September 1996, after stomach and bowel cancer had come back one time too many.
It’s been ten years (and more) now, but I still I remember them all every day, not for how they died, but for how they lived. They filled not only my life, but the life of everyone they met, with love, hope, and happiness. I will never forget them, and I will do everything in my power to try and make sure other people get as much help as possible to fight cancer in all its forms.
Cancer Research UK is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to cancer research and for the past 12 years one of their annual events has been the women-only Race For Life. So far over £100 million has been raised, and this year the aim is for £46 million to be raised across the country.
Last year I raced for life, and you all helped me raise an amazing £182.72. I’m doing it again this year on the 16th of July, and I would love to equal, or better, that total.
So I am asking you, readers of Bright Meadow, to sponsor me in my frankly silly plan to run 5 km round the Southampton Common on what is likely to be a blazing hot Sunday afternoon in July. Whether you decide to give 50p, £50, or just good wishes, I greatly appreciate it. If there is anyone you would like me to run in memory or honour of, let me know and I will add them to the sign I will be wearing on my back.
Sponsoring me couldn’t be easier. Just go to http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/BrightMeadowYearTwo, click on the pink “sponsor me now” button at the bottom of the page, and follow the instructions. If you are a UK taxpayer, don’t forget to select the gift aid option so the nice government can give a further %28 on top of your donation. There’s also always a link in the sidebar of the blog, so you’ll have no excuse 😉
Thank you all in advance,
Claire Louise
p.s. Pictures from last year are still online.
One last request – if there’s anyone who’s gonna be in Southampton on July 16th, I’d appreciate being met at the finish line with a large bottle of water!
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