My Story

In 2020, my beautiful mum, Gemma, passed away after a short battle with Sepsis; leaving behind her devoted husband Simon and her 3 children, Lauren, Emily and Ewan. And at ages 19, 15 and 11, we had to navigate a life without our mum. 

Just before Mum passed away, we started a weightloss journey together, committed to starting a new healthy life together. Since then, I have lost 8 stone in weight, ensuring I completed the goals we set out to reach together.

In the last 5 years, I have met my life partner, moved into our family home, and had two children, Theo and Robyn. These are all milestones that I haven’t had my mum next to my side to witness. And as I think of my future knowing many other milestones that my mum will miss, I realise how devastating Sepsis is and how quickly one can become so unwell.

Everyone that knows me understands that I am a complete beginner when it comes to running and gym life. It is not something in particularly enjoy or feel confident in. Mum is definitely laughing at me now knowing I have signed up to compete a half marathon, in front of thousands of people where there is no where to hide!

But, 13.1 miles of pain and hardship is nothing compared to the pain mum felt as she fought sepsis, and is certainly nothing compared to the hole she left in our family and lives when she died. 

So, in memory of my beautiful mum, Gemma, and to signify 5 years since her passing, I will be completing the Cardiff half marathon.