Tom Runs Half Marathon in Support of Friend Ellie After Life Changing Diagnoses

Tom is running the Ipswich Half Marathon this September for close friend Ellie to raise money for Ending Life's Taboo, who help in supporting those, particularly younger adults, who are facing life-limiting diagnoses.

Tom first met Ellie through his wife, Bryony and, not long after she came into his life, Ellie was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a life-limiting lung condition, which is genetic and most often diagnosed in childhood.

He became closer with Ellie herself, as well as her husband and son throughout this difficult time, and she went on to be a bridesmaid at Tom and Bryony's wedding. She was then placed on a drug trial, and things seemed to be looking up for Ellie and her family.

But, at the age of 41, tragedy struck again - Ellie was diagnosed with Free Light Chain Myeloma, a rare, incurable form of blood cancer which is typically found in much older people.

However, after much support from the NHS, Ellie is still with us today.

Tom is running the half marathon to support the charity that helps Ellie with what the healthcare system can't - the emotional impact of facing, not one, but two life-limiting diagnoses.

While the NHS has been brilliant in providing Ellie's physical treatment through chemotherapy and countless procedures, there is no simple prescription for coming to terms with an incurable diagnosis.

Ending Life's Taboo, founded by Tracy Davies after the loss of her own son, provides rapid psychological support for those facing such diagnoses like Ellie's.

For Ellie, accessing counselling, which is funded by the charity, has made an enormous difference to both herself and her family. It gave her a space in which she could process her fears honestly, and helped to clear the mental space she needed to focus on living rather than dying.

Ellie describes the counselling she has received as "as valuable as any of the physical treatment" that she has had.

"Running this half marathon is my small way of helping to raise awareness of Ending Life's Taboo's vital work, ensuring more young people facing similar challenges can access the psychological support they need to live well, for whatever time they have left."

Every step Tom takes in the race will be for Ellie and her family, and everyone like her who deserves both excellent medical and emotional support.