This year in October, I’ll be running the Stroud Half Marathon - my first half marathon ever! - and I’ve decided to raise funds for Longfield Community Hospice as part of this. 

Longfield support adults (and their families and carers) who have received a severe diagnosis, such as cancer.

This is a cause close to my heart. In April 2024, I lost my mom to a very aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The six months between her diagnosis and her passing were filled with intense treatments, all the while hoping for the best. It was a time of many ups and downs, and her death fell right into a seemingly moment of ‘up’, catching us by surprise and leaving us in shock.

My family is based in Germany and therefore didn’t receive any support from Longfield - but I now know from my own experience how important their service is for anyone affected by a life-limiting diagnosis or bereavement, and I wish there would have been something equivalent in Germany.

Running was one of the things that kept me sane during this difficult time, and as part of my processing, I spontaneously decided to join my very first race just one week after she passed: an 8k long route alongside the historic train tracks in my hometown in Germany, with the goal of beating the ‘machine’ (= historic train).

Fundraising for Longfield as part of this next race feels like a full circle moment.

I’ve set myself a fundraising goal of £500 - every single penny and pound that helps me getting closer to this is appreciated!

Thank you for reading my story (if you’ve made it this far), and for any contribution you may decide to make. This is a great motivation to take on the challenge this half marathon represents for me.

I know my mom would be proud of me.