Page 17 - Inspire Magazine 2019

In 2013, Mum’s health began to deteriorate. She had
several heart attacks as well as suffering from
osteoporosis. She was a tough lady though and always
got back on her feet and back to the shop.
Dad supported her all the way, alongside his own
volunteering work at Leighton Hospital.

It was no surprise then that Dad began to lose weight
and felt tired. We put it down to him looking after
Mum. However, when he started to feel breathless,
he went to his GP.

He had atrial fibrillation, a disordered heart rate.
We now know that this is associated with lung cancer.
However, at the time, the cardiologist did not suspect
it because Dad was a non-smoker and so treated it as loads of easy-to-do fundraising ideas. I did a gift bag
heart failure instead. sale at work, with all profits going towards my total.
I would never have thought of that without them and
Just after New Year 2017 he was short of breath again it was a huge hit!
and was taken to A&E. He had a chest x-ray and that
was when we learnt the truth. I miss my parents immensely. I miss taking Mum
shopping every Friday. I miss hearing Dad laughing at
We were all shocked. Even with Mum volunteering my husband’s jokes. I miss watching them listen so
at the Roy Castle shop, we didn’t piece together the intently to their grandchildren. But it feels really good
signs. I now understand how subtle lung cancer to have done this in their honour. Together, we’ve all
symptoms can be. given something back.”

Dad died very quickly, just three weeks after his You don’t have to take on a marathon to support Roy
diagnosis. Mum was at a loss and very soon her health Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. There are events for
deteriorated too. We ended up losing them both every age and ability. Visit www.roycastle.org/events
within five months of each other. to find your perfect fit.

Losing them both in such a short space of time was
so hard; I decided I needed something to focus on.

I wanted to do something that celebrated life and, in
the spirit of my parents, give something back. I had
run the London Marathon before, with Mum and Dad
cheering me on all the way, but that was 20 years ago.

It would be a whole new challenge to take it on again.

The fundraising team have been so supportive, even INSPIRE 2019
sending me a personalised Christmas card. They sent

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