As many of you know, I have been doing my closest parkrun recently - which is a very challenging one - steep, long hills and slippy leaves and mud! I've done this particular parkrun three times now - improving my time each week.
So, you lot don't know, but in the week a dear friend of mine passed away suddenly from lung cancer. Diagnosed only three weeks ago with an extremely aggressive form, she deteriorated before our eyes. On Tuesday they said there was no point in starting chemo as planned as her body was too weak. On Wednesday night she passed away. None of us expected it to happen that quickly. She was brave, dignified and inspirational in what she achieved in her short life - she was 40 only a few weeks ago.
So, this morning, I decided my run would be for Shannon. I walked less of the uphill than ever before - although I pushed myself a bit too hard at one point. When it got tough, I dug deep and kept going. Of 458 Parkruns measured, Clair, my parkrun, is the 439 hilliest! I smashed my PB (from last week) by 90 seconds - 40.17.
I was too exhausted to be emotional when I finished. I know Shannon would be proud. That's enough for me.
Written by
RebeccaSK
Graduate
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Dear Rebecca, my best friend Ruth died at age 35, 14 years ago in March, of aggressive cancer -- so aggressive she didn't have the chance to tell me about it (we used to see each other every few weeks at that time since we lived in different towns). One day her boyfriend answered her phone and told me she was gone... I was thinking about her just today, as I often do. I know you will think about and remember Shannon in many different ways in the years to come. We are all here such a short time, we need to value each day and the life we live. Congratulations to you for taking steps to improve the time you have on earth, I know Shannon would be proud too.
She was an animal rescuer. She fought for those who couldn't speak for themselves and today I did the same thing. Thanks rolysmate - I will graciously accept the hug x
Aw, Rebecca, what heart felt post....I’m so sorry for your loss & you’re right, she would be proud of you, without a doubt....big virtual hug coming your way xxx
I am so very sorry, sadly I have seen cancer take away too many lives far too soon. I have no doubt she was with you every step of the way, marvelling at how incredible her dear friend is x
She was very special Floss. I'm a mad animal lover and so was she. She saved hundreds and hundreds of animals lives and, if you believe there is something, somewhere, after death then I know she is currently being jumped on by all the animals whose rescue she facilitated and who she found homes for. That makes me smile.
What an inspirational yet heartbreaking post. Well done for getting through the run in such testing circumstances. Cancer is the scourge of humanity, a big 👏 from me and a huge cyber hug ☺
Oh Rebecca how so very sad for you. This horrid disease touches so many of our nearest and dearest and we always hope they can survive. One thing clear from your post is how much Shannon meant to you - it shines through in your words and of course in your actions today with your pb. Words can't always convey what we feel, but I think your run today showcases the best of you and your great love for your inspirational friend.
Big hugs from Italy, well done for doing the run, even though every step must have been so hard for you.
The tears and the sadness are involuntary but, actually, more than anything else I feel so lucky to have counted her as a friend. I feel happy. I cannot help but smile when I think of her. All the pictures posted of her on Facebook recently are of her with animals she has rescued, orphaned kittens she is hand rearing or animals in the new homes she found for them. I am glad she was free of her pain. She was diagnosed whilst in hospital after being admitted for mysterious pain and never left. She will be missed by so, so many but I feel so privileged to have known her.
So sorry to hear this. Presumably she's not running pending surgery? Let's hope she gets the treatment she needs ASAP and life begins to get back to normal x
Oh Rebecca, I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like an amazing woman. And well done on your run, it must have been an emotional one for you. Big hug. x
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I was not even a runner then 
PW and PB at a family affair- Chelmsford Parkrun!
5x50-49 Parkrun PB :)
Parkrun PB?
