My experience at Race for Life

Hello everyone.

Well, I promised I'd let you know how I got on with this so here's a few piccies for you (like this one of my best friend Mandy and I, right) just to prove I actually went through with it! My reason for saying this is that I simply do not do things like this, something to do with coming last out of hundreds of girls in cross country when I was about 12, maybe?

Also pictured here are Mandy's husband and my other half, Steve, enjoying a nice lie down (right). Must've been exhausting for them sitting around watching us, eh?

Well, the weather was amazing. I'm so glad it was such a beautiful day as it seems to lift the spirits. It was an extremely emotional day, too. Each participant had a sign on their back to say who they were running for.

I was running for Marcelle who lost her battle against cancer last year. Her three incredibly brave children were there, of course. Sam, Marcelle's son (14) was there as part of the support squad as it was a 'women only' race.

Charlotte (16) carried her little sister, Taylor (just 5), on her shoulders for much of the 5k showing both her inner and outer strength. Charlotte had a lovely photo of her mother on her back, which caused more than a few people to well up. I'm completely humbled and in awe of their bravery and spirit.

I've been so moved by many people around me who are currently battling against this cruel disease. It's so prevalent but there is hope when we keep on fighting and keep on making advances. This is why it's so important to keep on raising desperately needed funds.

It's not too late if you want to donate. I haven't yet reached my target of £250 so any donations gratefully received. Thank you again to those who have already given, it's massively appreciated.

My thoughts are with all of you who have gone through, or are are now facing, your own experience of this sad disease. Together we can make a difference so keep on fighting.

Love Catherine x

Comments

[julie]

Well done Catherine.
I think most of us know someone who has been taken from us by this incredibly cruel disease. I just don't know how the people affected by it cope, whether they be the sufferer or the close family and friends. Like you i am in awe of them.
Every little bit helps.
Well done again.
Love Julie
x

[J, Felix N Smudge]

Hiderleeho Catherine!

Well done you!

Hugs as ever

J, Felix & Smudge
X x X

[valerie blake]

inspiring catherine

my daughter took part last sunday it was very sad as a year ago she was there,with my brother who was quite poorly with cancer.this year however he was hopefully watching from afar,he lost his battle at the end of january.
there were many emotions felt,as i am sure you also felt.
again well done
love valerie

[Steven]

Well done Catherine. It's a great acheivement and also a great thing to be involved in. I thin we have all lost someone close to us through cancer. Mu Uncle was only in his 30's when he passed away and it hit me hard especially as my wee cousin was only 10.

Well done again xx

[Catherine O'Rourke]

Well done Catherine, You should be very proud of yourself. I have not lost anyone to cancer so far (thank God), But recently lost my little dog to this horrible disease. It is heartbreaking. Love, Cathie x

[Sharon Gasparutti]

Well done Catherine, truly inspiring of you to do the Race for Life escpecially in memory someone you know, mnd you if I was to do that I'd have to get some weight of myself first, but well done to have done a great deed for the day.

[Lyndsey Heather]

Well done Catherine - I too did the race for life this year with my Mum. We took part in memory of my Dad who passed away in September last year. Like you, I found the day really emotional but also really inspiring - I know my Dad was watching over us! God Bless xx Love Lyndsey xxx

[Andrea Topp]

Well done Catherine.I was treated for bone cancer over two decades ago and this year have celebrated 21 years off treatment and clear of the disease. I strive to make the most of every day and have an incredible 17 year old son and wonderful husband who inspire me constantly. The care and motivation of people like yourself is helping to fund vital research. Hopefully this means that in the future more people will be able to take part in race for life in celebration of a survivor.
With love and thanks Andrea x

[denise]

Hi Catherine , well done you .. As you know i did my race for life last year a few weeks away from having my triplets and then again this yr with the girls ... At battersea park!

Hope your well

Take care Denise and the babies - that are getting into trouble like your cats!

[Rachel Simm]

Hi Catherine

I am doing my run tomorrow in Bolton. I lost my mum 20 years ago to this horrible disease. The ironic thing is that tomorrow would have been her birthday. I have taken part before and I know that is one of the most emotional things in the world seeing everyone there is so moving but it is also really inspirational. I know my mum will be watching over me.

Well done and much love

Rachel :o)

[Sandra Gregory]

Hi Catherine,

Well done, you must be really proud of yourself. It is really a truely humbling experience. Myself and a group of girls from work did the run in Southampton a couple of years ago, and you are right it is a very emotional day as everyone had a message on their back, remembering someone they had lost to this aweful illness.

Once again well done to you.

Sandra

[Jane Wharton]

Well done Catherine. i lost my lovely Mum last December to Ovarian cancer only 9 weeks after being diagnosed. If we all do a little no matter how small we can hopefully make a change.
Jane x

[sharon mills]

Hi Catherine, well done!! I have lost most of my family through cancer & unfortunatley we all suffer. I have never done the race for life like you & others, but i make a donation to Cancer Research every month to try & help.
Once again well done
Sharon xx

[Angela]

Well done Catherine. It's such a great cause and well worth the effort.

I'm doing my race for life this afternoon, my fourth year in a row and the feeling you get at the end is unbeatable. I'm doing a different course this year which is a little hillier (is that a word?!) than I'm used to so I'm a tad nervous but I WILL do it.

Good luck and well done to everyone who is doing or has done a race for life this year. I'd encourage anyone who can to take part. It's such a lovely atmosphere and every little helps.

Angela xx

[valerie smyth]

well done catherine,

what a great feeling it is to acheive this.Four years ago i walked mt kenya for Action cancer,It had some tough momonet but i made it to top{,in great form.]And the feeling was out of this world....

Last september i walked Ben Nevis in Scotland,for UCF the weather was very bad.And at the last minute they decided we would go for the top,in the bad fog.what a day, soaked to the skin...But with great memoris and new friends. love Valerie

[Catherine Huntley]

Hi everyone,

I would normally write back to each and every reply but the response to this blog has been such that I wouldn't get around to everyone for ages so apologies for not doing that but I have read all of your comments and I have to confess to being sat here with tears streaming down my face.

To all of you who have lost those you love so much I am so desperately sorry and wish I could give you a hug. To everyone who is doing such positive work to raise funds, well done and keep on going! You are simply brilliant and I'm humbled hearing your stories.

Life really gets put into perspective at times like this. The cat hairs all over my house don't matter at all, the kids leaving the kitchen a mess, petty squabbles over nothing...none of that matters. In fact, I'd say that I now feel grateful for the kids mess because it means they are here in my life and I am here on this Earth enjoying them. People are the most important thing we have (by the way I count pets as 'people' too!). I've heard the saying 'don't sweat the small stuff' and can really relate to it. Cherish every moment because this moment is the only certainty we have.

Thank you so much for sharing your personal stories, here. You inspire me.

Love Catherine x

[Barbara Burrows]

Catherine I am so proud of you .love from your mum

[Julie]

Well done Catherine and everyone else who ran. I lost my Mother to Cancer 10 years ago this year-it seems like yesterday and miss her so much every day. Make the most of life as this is not a rehearsal!

[Judie Salt]

Well done Catherine,i too entered Race for Life at Stratford upon Avon on Sunday 5th Julywith my daughter sarah and some work mates.I was overwhelmed by the numbers involved and truly moved and inspired.cant wait until next years events.
Love judie xx

[Anesha]

Well done!!! HOpe your furry ones are doing well. Anesha

[Shirley]

Thanks Catherine! Well done to all of you who take part in these fundraising races.

My husband has recovered from thyroid cancer, my father has three types of cancer and is not going to live much longer, and one of my best friends is now facing breast cancer.

We ALL know someone who has been, or is now, affected by this horrid disease and yes, we must continue to raise research funds. But, more than that really, we must always let those who are being treated for cancer, whether it be ongoing drugs, chemotherapy, surgery or radiotherapy - or all four - that they mean the world to us and fighting is worth it.

Then, if the time comes to say Goodbye, we know they will have perfect peace. Our family said this sad farewell to another lovely lady a couple of weeks ago.

Racers, runners, supporters, carers...we all fight the good fight with all our might.

Catherine, you are a wonderful QVC presenter - a lady with heart and soul. Thank you again.

[Amy Aziz]

Hi Catherine
Just writing to say i enjoy watching QVC even more so when you are presenting. You have such a positive and sunny attitude. I was wondering if i could ask about the experience and qualifications needed to be a host, as i'm really interested in this line of work

kind regards Amy

[cheryl.]

Well done on taking part, i have lost a dear friend and auntie to this cruel disease, although in time the pain eases u never forget. all of us who watch qvc are proud of you.

[Vee]

Well done Catherine, a great achievement. You should try the Moon Walk one year. Liking the photo of Steve, you've done good there girl :o)