IF you’d told me on November, 9, 2022, that I’d be on the start line of the TCS London Marathon 2024 I would not have believed it.

I woke up that day to find my amazing husband Arran had died in the night from a heart attack.

I didn’t know how to be without Arran – we had the best life from the first time we met in 2014. We’d moved into our dream home and were looking forward to our happy ever after.

But I got to the start line (spoiler alert – I got to the finish line too!) because of the amazing help and support offered through bereavement counselling with Sue Ryder. It helped so much. Life will never be the same and I miss Arran more than I know how to explain. But I do know I can live a full life and hopefully do him proud.

My marathon place was secured through Sue Ryder and they provided so much help in the run up to the race. I knew they would have cheer points but didn’t really know what that meant. What transpired was the best feeling I could have hoped for – big beaming smiles, cheers, flags and just joy!

I’d only set myself the goal of finishing before sunset and in the end I crossed the finish line in 6.01! This was never about a time though – it was just about doing something big to try to raise money for Sue Ryder and to acknowledge the size of the hole that Arran has left.

I have to say the biggest thank you to my friends Katy and her family and Eleanor who came down and made sure I ate, drank and kept calm. Having a cheer squad was an amazing feeling – every moment of the marathon I knew that there were people rooting for me and it meant I smiled for 26.2 miles!

I also have to thank my widow friends, two of whom were also running. Starting the marathon was daunting but not being alone was amazing and helped so much.

And to every single person who sponsored me – the total is now over £4,000, which blows my mind! Thank you so much.

Can I do it again please?!

If you are inspired to run the TCS London Marathon for Sue Ryder next year, visit sueryder.org/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/events/tcs-london-marathon-2025

Maria Ward, Bingley