Michelle's Running the London Marathon 2024

Hi everyone. After several attempts, I was lucky enough to get a ballot place in the London Marathon this year on Sunday 21st April 2024. However, the day I found out will always be in my memory as it was a day of mixed emotions. I was at the hospital with my late Mum having just received the news that she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.  My mum passed away a month later and my whole world fell apart.  She was always proud of my running achievements and loved to see my medals and hear the stories. She would often come and watch whenever was possible, often sitting outside her flat when I ran the Dartford Half Marathon to cheer me on.

During this difficult time, I was comforted by the many cats we have who kept my spirits up and were always there for unconditional love and cuddles. My Mum loved having a cuddle with the cats when she was visiting and in fact had several cats of her own before moving in to sheltered accommodation.

And this is where the two stories come together for my fund-raising project. I am raising money for 2 charities - The Ellenor Hospice, who helped look after my mum and support us are the first charity. They are a local charity in Kent who specialise in palliative care for adults and children and were excellent during my Mum’s short illness.   

The second is Pussycat Lodge. They are a charity that was established over 20 years ago and has been a focal point for a group of hard working and dedicated volunteers who rescue and care for cats in the Dagenham, Redbridge and Havering and Brentwood areas in Essex. 4 of our cats were adopted from there and as I said, my Mum loved our cats and often went to their open days.

Please help me reach my target no matter how big or small the donation as every little helps! I have added links to the 2 charities below so you can read all about their work.  
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and I will update my training story over the coming months.