Aimee wearing a pink Breast Cancer Now running vest with her name printed on it. She is stood in a green patch of grass with her hands on her hips.

My nana is my reason for running the London Marathon

Aimee raised money for us by running in this years’ TCS London Marathon. She tells us the story of her nana, Joan, who sadly died from breast cancer in 2004. Aimee’s nana continues to inspire her fundraising. Together with her husband Jason, Aimee is raising vital funds so that by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live and live well.

Tell us about your experience with breast cancer 

My story starts with my Nana Joan. She was a strong-willed, fun, caring lady who adored her family. She loved making her grandchildren smile. She was famous in our family for making the best cherry pies and the biggest lemon meringues. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995. 

How did you cope with her diagnosis? 

I was so young that my family shielded me and my brothers from her illness. I remember she had a and wore an insert in her bra. She used to make us laugh by pulling out the insert, which was also her way of protecting us from the seriousness of the situation.

After several years of living cancer free, we thought she wouldn’t get a recurrence. But in 2004, we found out the cancer was back, and nothing could be done. By this time, I was a mother of 2 sons, who both had the pleasure of spending time with my Nana Joan.

What happened next? 

Her condition deteriorated quickly. She was admitted to our local hospice, and the whole family visited her every day for a few weeks. The visits became part of my routine, and I still thought she’d recover. My typical day involved dropping the kids at school, picking up some snacks and visiting Nana Joan at the hospice.

On one of those typical days, I arrived at the hospice, walked past Nana’s room and noticed some of my family holding on to her. She had already gone.

A photo of Aimee and her family with Nana Joan. Aimee is holding one of her young sons. Everyone is standing in a garden, with a house and flowers behind them.
Aimee and her family with Nana Joan

What are some of your favourite memories with your nana, Joan? 

Nana loved music. Some of my favourite memories are of us listening to the Spice Girls and Jimmy Nail and writing out the lyrics to their songs. She also taught me how to knit and embroider.

But my absolute favourite memory of my nana was when she’d chase our car every time we left her house. She’d walk us to the car, make sure we were fastened in, and run alongside the car frantically waving until we were out of sight. We would howl with laughter every time.

Joan Parker is my reason for running for Breast Cancer Now in the London Marathon. She protected her loved ones even when she was at her most vulnerable. 

How did you get into fundraising for Breast Cancer Now? 

Since losing my Nana Joan, I’ve met my husband, Jason, who has his own connection to breast cancer. He was married to a young woman called Lucy, who sadly passed away from breast cancer in 2015.

Jason and Lucy started their fundraising journey together. They took part in various events to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Now. Jason and Lucy’s story, as well as my Nana Joan’s experience, continue to inspire our fundraising.

A photo of Aimee and her brother as children, in bed with their Nana Joan.
Aimee and her brother when they were children, with their Nana Joan.

What fundraising have you done so far? 

Jason and I fundraise for Breast Cancer Now all year. Jason regularly hosts dinners, golf days and various events. And I took part in the TCS London Marathon this year.

Being a busy mum with a challenging job, training was sometimes hard. But I saw training for the marathon as my release, giving myself time to breathe and unwind.

Aimee holding a gold London Marathon medal and smiling. She is stood in front of a wall with the Breast Cancer Now logo on it.

How did the Marathon go?

It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I felt great up to 19 miles, then I hit a brick wall. I talked myself through the pain and jogged for 3 miles to recuperate. Then I kicked up the pace for the final 3.2 miles.

My highlight has got to be sprinting down The Mall. Hearing the cheers gave me the final push of energy. It was an all-consuming feeling. I set myself a target of around 4 hours and 37 minutes, and crossed the finish line at 4 hours 31 minutes.

I also surpassed my fundraising target. I aimed to raise £2,500, and I've raised £2,865 so far, with donations still coming in! I'm blown away by the support I received. It's extremely humbling to know how many people were following my race.

Aimee's arms during the Marathon. On one arm there is black writing that reads 'My inspirations... Nana Joan, Lucy, Helen, Jean, Ann, Emma'. On the other arm, black writing reads 'My reasons... Jason, Ryan, Bubby, Olivia, Jonas.'

Get involved

Are you feeling inspired by Aimee’s fundraising story? There are plenty of ways to fundraise, and we’re here to help make it happen.

Start your breast cancer fundraiser

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