London Marathon for Demelza

I'm running the London Marathon for Demelza in Memory of my Cousin Isla

In November 2022, my cousin Isla sadly passed away after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour called DIPG. She was just five years old.

If you knew Isla, you’ll remember how she could always make people laugh. She had the biggest smile, loved every animal she met, and brought so much happiness to everyone around her. She was full of personality, and despite everything she went through, she continued to spread so much joy.

During the hardest time our family has ever experienced, Demelza Children’s Hospice gave Isla, and all of us, so much more than care. They gave us precious moments that we’ll never forget.

Their incredible team spent time with Isla at home baking cakes, doing arts and crafts, and making sure she could still enjoy being a little girl. They even arranged a special day out where she got to hold spiders and snakes—something she absolutely loved. Those memories mean more to our family than words can ever describe.

As Isla became more unwell, Demelza supported her at home, allowing her to stay somewhere she felt safe and surrounded by the people who loved her most, rather than having to move into the hospice. When Isla sadly passed away, Demelza’s bereavement suite gave our family the invaluable gift of time together, allowing us to say our goodbyes in a peaceful and caring environment.

I will never be able to thank Demelza enough for everything they did for Isla and for my family.

That’s why, at 20 years old, I’m taking on my biggest challenge yet by running the 2027 TCS London Marathon. After taking a step back from running over the last year, this feels like the perfect challenge to work towards while raising money for a charity that means so much to me and my family.

Demelza provides extraordinary care to children with serious or life-limiting conditions and supports families from diagnosis, through treatment, and for as long as they are needed. They don’t just care for children—they care for entire families, helping create precious memories during the most difficult times imaginable.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help Demelza continue providing that same compassion, dignity and support to other children and families who need it.

If you’re able to support me, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every mile I run will be for Isla, and every pound raised will help ensure more families receive the same incredible care that meant so much to ours.

Thank you so much for your support.

This marathon is for you, Isla. ❤️