My father would have never believed I'd be running half marathon!

Lara writes: My father was always a very private person. Whilst we were aware that he had MPN he would always keep matters to himself. I knew that one of the charities my father supported and was particularly close to was Blood Cancer UK, but only through passing comments in wider conversations.

As a Jewish family, charitable giving is an important part of our community. The Hebrew word for charity is tzedakah, and the Hebrew concept of “tzedakah” differs vastly from the Westernised understanding of “charity”.

Whilst “charity” is considered a derivative of the Latin “caritas” meaning love or dearness and is typically thought of as a spontaneous act of goodwill, tzedakah is considered to be more of an ongoing ethical obligation. It is the moral obligation to do what is just or right and my father adopted this mindset in everything he did.

In the weeks following my father’s passing, I both wanted, and felt a strong obligation, to continue his legacy. I wanted to raise awareness for what my family had been through and help others who may be in a similar position, but I didn’t know where to start. At such an emotionally vulnerable time, this was a daunting situation to be in.

I had many discussions with my mother about this and she reminded me of the relationship my father had with Blood Cancer UK. After conducting some research of my own, and speaking with my father’s contact, Amy, I felt that Blood Cancer UK was the charity I wanted to start fundraising for, not least because any charity my father was so committed to supporting was worthy of my time and support.

Having considered a number of fundraising options available to me, I decided to sign up to a half marathon in an attempt to fundraise.

My friends and family, especially my mother and brother, have been so supportive of my fundraising endeavours.

They know better than anyone that I am by no means a natural runner and so they were somewhat bewildered when I told them I had signed up for a half marathon. I know that my father would never have believed me had I told him I had signed up to a half marathon beforehand.

Signing up for the London Landmarks was a milestone to work towards, but the ultimate goal is far more important than that. I ran in my father’s memory and the fact that any money I raised will be applied to helping other families who are in a similar situation to mine is the greatest motivator I could ask for. I have also had various friends ask me whether they can sign up to races, including a close friend who has completed the London Marathon for Blood Cancer UK. The support my family and I have felt throughout this unwanted and unexpected journey has been exceptional.

I’m so grateful for the incredible response I received for my fundraising and I was so pleased to exceed my target of fundraising £2,000, raising £8,580 in total. I posted on Instagram more than ever before asking people to support, because simply: if you don’t ask you don’t get, and asking for donations for such a fantastic cause felt right.

Since my father’s passing, Blood Cancer UK have provided a great amount of support and comfort to myself and my family.

I am lucky enough to have direct contact with people at the charity and, whilst borne out of the saddest moment of my life, it has been very rewarding to have the opportunity to build my own relationship with the charity.

I feel a strong sense of duty in wanting to continue my father’s legacy and running the London Landmarks half marathon was only the beginning.