On 11th September 2022 I will be jogging but most likely stumbling along the Bacchus Half Marathon around the Denbies winery with my sister, Julie Hawkins. I know tasting wine is a very motivating factor, but I will, in fact, be doing this for two good causes that are very close to my heart: Alzheimer’s Research UK and Cancer Research UK. The funds raised will be split evenly between the 2 charities.

My Dad suffered from Alzheimer’s for many years and was cared for lovingly by mum at home 24/7 for the last few of those. Alzheimer’s is such a cruel disease, taking away loved ones memories’ and independence to leave but a shell of their former selves. He passed away just earlier this month but his memory lives on in us all. He was a keen cross country runner when young, and even just back in 2015 raced with me up the hill in Ventnor, Isle of Wight to hide from the rest of the family, despite being hampered by a previously broken foot!
In 2019, 1 in 14 of the population 65+ suffered from dementia and by 2040 it is estimated this will be over 1.5m people in the UK.

My second charity is Cancer Research UK. Charlotte Nicol, lovely close family member, was only 32 when diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour on 6th April. She lived life to the full, lighting up a room and always helping others. On diagnosis she continued to help others by setting up a Gofundme page and raised over £50,000 in such a short time.
Did you know 1 in 2 people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime - so if it's not me, it's you or a loved one. Cancer will affect us all - so please help do something to fight back.

I am fundraising for these 2 charities so that we can help find a cure and help prevent others suffering this heartache.

Thank you for your support!