How one lady inspired me to run the London Marathon for North Devon Hospice

One lazy Sunday morning last April, I turned on the telly to tune into one of my favourite sporting events of all time – the TCS London Marathon.

Every year, I love to watch the live coverage of this incredible event and always feel so in awe of the thousands of people taking on the monumental challenge of running this 26.2-mile course in aid of the causes they love.

As I sat watching the race unfold, story after story flashed up on the screen of those taking part.

One man was running in memory of his mum, who had sadly passed away after a long and difficult battle with breast cancer the year before.

Another was taking part to support his best friend, who had grappled with his mental health.

One gentleman had signed up to run for an animal charity after losing his beloved dog or his ‘best boy’ as he called him. Another lady was running with her son after he’d recovered from a drug addiction that almost took his life.

Above: Bronte on a training run with boyfriend Aaron

While each of these stories were incredibly moving in their own way, my emotions reached a whole new level when Adele Roberts, the much-loved Radio 1 DJ, appeared on camera looking tired and exhausted.

She’d just completed this world-class race in the superb time of 3 hours, 30 minutes, and 22 seconds – an incredible achievement for any runner! But this wasn’t what she was most proud of.

As she spoke breathlessly to the BBC presenter, Adele shared how just 18 months earlier, she had been lying in a hospital bed recovering from surgery after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

She recalled the pain she had experienced and the feeling of barely being able to sit up, let alone walk or run.

After her operation, she’d started using a stoma bag, which she’d affectionately named Audrey, who would now travel with her everywhere.

Feeling that her illness took away so much, Adele wanted to do something to support and inspire others living with cancer and to show the world that despite this diagnosis, anything is possible.

So, not only did she decide to take on one of the world’s biggest marathons less than a year after finishing her cancer treatment; she also set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon runner with a colostomy bag doing it!

As I watched this incredible lady share her story, one thought crossed my mind – if she can do it, so can I. And of course, I knew exactly what cause I wanted to run for.

Above: Bronte out running with stepdad Simon.

Every single day, I get to witness first-hand the difference North Devon Hospice makes to people experiencing what is ultimately the toughest time in their lives.

People just like you and me, whose lives have suddenly been turned upside down by a life-limiting illness like cancer.

As communications officer, I have the most incredible job of capturing their stories and all those precious moments that make their final chapter so special.

Sometimes, this means smiles, celebrations, and laughter. Other times, I'm with them in what are often their most reflective and consequently vulnerable moments. I can't tell you what a privilege this is and how it has shaped my outlook on life.

So, as well as bringing you these amazing stories, I’m running the TCS London Marathon this year along with my brilliant colleague, Saf, to support this wonderful charity in its 40th anniversary year.

Together, we’ll be helping to fund the lifeline of vital care and support that makes a difference to so many in our community at a time when it really does matter most.

While the journey to that iconic finish line hasn’t been an easy one, I know the thoughts of the wonderful people I've met and the magical conversations we've shared will get me through every step of the way.

Please support us, however you can, in raising as much as possible for this wonderful organisation that we’re so privileged to be part of. To donate, visit justgiving.com and search ‘Bronte Farenden’ or ‘Saf Mabin’.

On behalf of every patient and family we care for, thank you.