A 23-year-old speech therapist whose mum died soon after being diagnosed with cancer is set to run the London Marathon in her memory.

Judi, 60, who had multiple sclerosis, was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 which spread quickly through her body.

Her daughter Leoni, from Thatcham, watched her condition deteriorate and struggled to looked after her at home before Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading stepped in to help.

“It wasn’t the right environment for people to come in and look after her and we were all worried about what was going to happen and how we were going to deal with the situation,” Leoni said.

“It was a really difficult time but the hospice was such a nice environment for mum to be in during her final week.

“My sister Nadia and I stayed with her the whole time, along with my mum’s dog, which meant so much to her.”

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After their mum passed away, Leoni and her sister Nadia, 25, were inspired to give something back by taking on some fundraising challenges for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.

Nadia completed the London to Brighton Cycle Ride on the  September 11, 2022, and Leoni is set to run the London Marathon on Sunday October 2, 2022, to say thank you for the care their family received.

“I ran a half marathon when I was at university but this is my first full marathon, so I am quite nervous,” said Leoni.

 “I’ve been following a training plan though, and Nadia and I also did the Big Half in London on the September 4, so I feel quite well prepared.

“I am doing this for mum and for a cause close to my heart so I know that will spur me on and get me over that finish line.

“I hope I can raise at least £2,000 for the hospice so that they can continue to help other families who need it."

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She said: “The Sue Ryder Nurses couldn’t have been more lovely and caring and they looked after mum so well but also supported us and helped us to understand what was happening.

“They helped us to say goodbye and then supported us afterwards with bereavement counselling and Sue Ryder’s Online Community. It never felt that we were just left by ourselves.”

Georgia Thornton, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to Leoni and Nadia for supporting our hospice in memory of their mum and we’d like to wish Leoni all the very best for the London Marathon in a few weeks’ time.

“Our Sue Ryder Nurses and healthcare teams have always been there for patients and families at the most difficult time of their lives.

“With the help from our generous supporters who fundraise for us, our teams can continue to go above and beyond, filling last days with love and helping to give families a better goodbye.”