Two bus drivers from Norfolk are set to take on the challenge of a lifetime in memory of their wife and mother who passed away from cancer.
Kathryn Mason was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and after a battle lasting more than 10 years, she passed away last year.
And now her husband John and daughter Natasha Fernandez are planning to run a half marathon to raise money for causes close to her heart.
Natasha, who lives in Caister, said: “Mum’s cancer came back five years after she was given the all clear.”
Natasha and John, who both work for First Eastern Counties, worked their shift patterns around caring for Kathryn.
“In the last year she got worse and she needed us. We thought that the treatment was working. We knew the cancer couldn’t be cured but we thought the treatment was keeping it under control. On April 30, we were told that the treatment wasn’t working and there was nothing more the doctors and nurses could do,” Natasha said.
Kathryn passed away at the Northgate Hospital on June 2, 2013 aged 58.
“She was an inspiring lady who touched a lot of people’s hearts. She was very close to my son, Elliott. They would finish each other’s sentences,” Natasha added.
They will be taking part in the Great North Run in her memory. John will raise money for the Louise Hamilton Centre and Natasha will be collecting for Macmillan, a charity which Kathryn heavily supported.
John, who is a driver at First’s Lowestoft depot, will celebrate his 53rd birthday the day before the race on September 7.
Natasha, a Great Yarmouth-based driver, added: “We are looking forward to the race, we’re very excited. It is something we really want to do and we know we will have to be strong. Mum wanted to go to the Louise Hamilton Centre. We were told she only had a few weeks to live on the same day that the centre opened.”
Maxine Taylor, Palliative Care East Appeal Co-ordinator, said: “Natasha, John and Elliott are an amazing family, who have found much comfort in using the Louise Hamilton Centre, and the services and support that we offer since the loss of their loved one. Sadly Natasha’s mum was unable to benefit from the centre.
“We are here to help both the patients and carers at a time in their lives when they need us most.”
On the anniversary of her death, the family will gather on the beach to remember Kathryn and release pink balloons.
To sponsor Natasha visit http://www.justgiving.com/Natasha-Fernandez
To sponsor John visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JohnMason7