Since losing my beautiful mum on the 15/02/2021, there has been so many difficult emotions that I have worked so hard to channel into a more positive fulfilled life, a life with a purpose. Stemming from the resilience my mum showed in her battle of Ovarian cancer for just short of 20 years, being diagnosed at age 39 and passing away at age 59, despite being given 2 years to live by doctors as she was stage 4. My mums worry was to see me and my sister grow up as I was only 4 at the time, not only did she do that but also experienced two grand children who she loved so much.

My mum always felt strongly that Ovarian cancer was a silent killer and a very under represented cancer that needed more awareness and I couldn’t agree more. So I have decided to do something about this and I have been lucky enough to be offered a charity place for the 2024 London Marathon. I am raising money for Ovacome, who support people living with ovarian cancer and their loved ones. This cause means a lot to me and I hope that you’ll consider supporting their work in any way that you can.

I am someone who could not run far at the start of 2023 without being out of breath. However, I then found running helped clear my mental space and found it a way to keep challenging myself as it is a mental battle. If someone said to me a few years ago I would be running a marathon I would never believe it but my mum sure proved anything is possible and I hope her story can provide many women out there with hope.

Ovacome provides a range of support services for those affected by ovarian cancer. This includes the family and friends of those diagnosed, as well as those who might be at higher risk of the disease because of their family history. Ovacome also work closely with doctors and other clinicians to ensure that those diagnosed are given the most up-to-date information to help them navigate treatment and care.

Ovacome is also a community for anyone affected by ovarian cancer, meaning that the charity provides groups and events where people can meet others in similar circumstances, to share advice and offer each other encouragement along the way.

Every donation to Ovacome goes towards creating new services to support all those affected by this less common cancer. Any amount that you feel able to give could make a huge difference to the life of someone going through diagnosis and treatment at the moment.

My mum was truly my best friend and by far the most inspiring person I have ever met. She always had a smile on her face and I know she will be looking down cheering me on.

It would mean a lot to me if you could share this fundraising page with your friends and family, as well as on your social media.

I want to support Ovacome to do more for those affected by this disease, but I need your help to do so.

Thanks for reading and supporting my work for Ovacome in my Marathon for Mandy xxxx



Emily Braithwaite