Fundraising…..

My name is Vicky Malmsjo, I am the daughter of Catherine Malmsjo who sadly passed away on the 13th of January 2023. My mum was diagnosed with EGFR positive in March 2022 and was pleased to find so much support and comfort in your facebook group. After Mum passed I joined your facebook group myself and was overwhelmed by the messages of love that were sent to myself and my family. I also learnt that in some of mums darkest and saddest moments it was the other members in the group that were able to comfort mum, offer advice and provide her with support when she didn't know where else to turn. For that I will always be eternally grateful to all of you. Knowing that Mum had a safe place to go when she needed to talk to others, makes me feel very comforted.

So this year, I would like to thank you for everything that you did for my Mum by giving something back to you all and fundraising for EGFR. My mum loved walking, in fact, she had been completing the walk 1000 mile challenge every year since 2019 and even in 2022 after being diagnosed with EGFR positive, still managed to walk an incredible 750 miles! Just before Mum passed we had a conversation about her not being able to finish the challenge, so I told her that I would do it for her.

So that's what I am going to do! This year I am going to run 1000 miles. I have always been a keen runner but after I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease several years ago I was told by doctors that I would never be able to run again. However, I have my Mums fighting spirit, and during lockdown started to walk regularly like Mum and soon found I was jogging. Fast forward to now, and I run daily.

To achieve 1000 miles in memory of my Mum, I have already signed up for 8 half marathon races, I continue to run on a daily basis and have decided to finish the challenge by running a full 26.2 marathon around the local villages and my Dad is going to make a finish line for me at the village church where my Mum is laid to rest. Mum was always my biggest supporter and came to all my races. She always told me that I could do anything that I set my mind to, so it seems only right to finish this challenge by her side.

This is a huge challenge for me, as whilst I love to run, I have never run this much before, but every single step is for EGFR and for my Mum, who I know would be so proud of what I am doing.

I will be posting regular updates on my progress in the Facebook group but if you would like to visit my Justgiving page then the link is below.