I ran The London Marathon for my soulmate
My husband was brave, kind and loving; we were soulmates. We met working at the London Underground and from then on spent very little time apart.
Phil was a passionate Derby County fan, an avid traveller, loved the theatre and was the life and soul of any party. He truly lived to make every day count.
Not only was Phil a treasured friend to so many, he was the most loving father to his three children.
Through six long years of chemo, I can count on one hand how many times Phil cancelled on plans despite all of the side effects and fatigue he was suffering with.
Losing Phil has been heartbreakingly painful and the last eight months have been filled with overwhelming grief.
The place I had in the London Marathon was the last thing on my mind and I was planning to defer until next year, when I felt I could truly tackle the challenge.
Then, about eight weeks before the London Marathon was to take place, I starting thinking, ‘What would Phil do?’.
He would certainly never give up!
So, right there and then, I picked up my running shoes and decided I would walk, jog or even crawl my way through the Marathon in honour of the bravest and most courageous man I’d ever know; my soulmate.
And I’m so glad I took part because it become the most incredible day, despite the fact I started it off by going to the wrong Greenwich Station! Working at TfL you think I would understand the Underground a little better.
Even with the additional 3,000 steps to get to the correct starting point, it didn’t spur my spirits but it did make me laugh thinking about Phil shaking his head at me!
The atmosphere all along the London Marathon was amazing. Having my gang supporting and cheering me on was the best feeling.
I was very emotional when I saw them along the route, but they gave me the boost I needed to finish. Their love and belief still make me feel emotional and will be a core memory for me for the rest of my life.
After crossing the finish line and receiving my medal I felt massive pride in honouring my Phil. He never gave up and neither did I. As I say to our son…
‘You can do anything if you put your mind to it, just like Daddy!’.
In the darkest of times during those 26.2 miles, I saw a piece of light and grabbed it, held onto it and quite literally ran with it.
To honour Phil, I ran the London Marathon in aid of The Nightingale. This amazing charity has been so very kind to us. From regular check-ins (which Phil greatly appreciated) to offering treatments, advice and many other services.
To me, it’s their kindness that sticks out. They’re lovely people who care and want to make a difference to the lives of those in Enfield.
My target was to raise £1,000 for The Nightingale and in a testament to Phil and how many people he touched, I’m so incredibly honoured to say that I raised £3,622!
Phil got me through my nerves and let me focus on completing the London Marathon and raising money for The Nightingale.
Phil hasn’t left my side in eight months and spurs me on every single day, pushing me to never give up. Until we’re together again properly I’ll continue to carry him with me, chat to him and make him proud.
