'Running the division'

In December 2020, our family received devastating news. My (now) sister-in-law was admitted to hospital with an obstruction in her bile duct. This was quickly resolved but further scans were carried out, which showed that the blockage was cancer, a rare form called cholangiocarcinoma. Despite having had no symptoms, Nicky (aged 42) received the devastating news that the cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes and that there was no treatment they could offer which might cure the cancer. Chemotherapy was recommended to slow the spread of the cancer.

Two weeks later, on Christmas Eve 2020, Nicky began her first course of chemo. Whilst going through this 6-month long treatment, she still managed to plan a special wedding day (not an easy task when COVID restrictions were changing nearly every week!), marrying Nathan - my brother - on 22nd May.

After a short break from treatment, scans showed the cancer had spread to her liver and so chemo resumed in October 2021.

Throughout the last 16 months, despite everything, Nicky has been so brave and positive, and always has smile on her face! She has made the most of each day, enjoying holidays, theatre shows, cricket, meals with friends and special family times.

Nicky and Nathan are very grateful for everything that Macmillan have done for them and so, motivated by Nicky’s courage and positivity, I wanted to do something to support this wonderful charity.

Before taking on the London Marathon in October, I will be running to all 30 Salvation Army Corps (churches) in the South London area. The Salvation Army has been my church since I was young and my employer for the last 18 years. Nicky also has many Salvation Army links. She was born to officer (minister) parents and grew up at Croydon Citadel Salvation Army. She then spent many years at Raynes Park SA Community Church. (Nicky first met Nathan at a Salvation Army Music School - 28 years later they got married!) 

From William Booth College, in Camberwell, I'll be running to locations such as Dartford, Bexleyheath and Bromley in South East London, Staines and Addlestone in West London as well as Croydon and Raynes Park - a distance of over 250 miles.