“At Christmas, I could thank Mum for all she had done for me.”

My mum was lovely, outgoing, and always there for her friends and family. About six years ago, she was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. Although we knew it would eventually take her from us, she managed the illness with bravery and determination.

That November, I received the call no one ever wants to get. My dad told me, “Your mum has been taken into hospital, and there’s nothing more they can do. She is being moved to the Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff.”

There were conversations about her going home, but deep down we all knew she was where she needed to be. She was receiving the best possible care, and that brought us immense peace of mind.

Mum had an infectious personality and a cheeky sense of humour, which quickly made her a favourite among the staff.

At the hospice, she had her own private room overlooking Penarth seafront through a floor-to-ceiling window. The setting was beautiful, peaceful, and full of dignity.

I remember sitting with her, overlooking the bay, telling her what a wonderful mum she had been and thanking her for all she had done for me. It was heartbreaking, but also an honour.

The hospice was beautifully festive, with decorations, carols, and a warm atmosphere. The cast of the Cardiff pantomime visited – including Gethin Jones, whom Mum adored – and they made her laugh so much.

On Christmas Day, I spent the morning in Manchester with my wife, Sally, and the children before driving down to Cardiff. We exchanged presents with Mum and later Dad and I went out for a curry.

Nothing was ever too much trouble. The staff all knew my boys and were always asking after them – they made us feel part of the Marie Curie family. Their kindness, warmth, and sense of unity are what I remember most.

Mum passed away peacefully on January 10. The staff gave us all the time we needed with her. Nothing was rushed; everything was handled with compassion and care. Afterwards, they made us tea, explained what would happen next, and ensured we were fully supported.

We’ll carry on our new tradition and go for a curry. It was really nice last year and allowed everyone to be together as a family – and not worry about the dreaded dishes.

We will be doing the same this year. As always, we plan to just be together. This will be our second year without Mum and Christmas was always what she loved.

Dad will be coming to us, and I am sure we will talk about all the things Mum loved about Christmas.

I know Mum would be proud – proud of me, and proud of the reason I ran: to raise money and awareness for Marie Curie.

I thought of Mum at many points during the day. She had been the inspiration for me entering. There were times during the race, when it got tough, that I thought of Mum and others who were in Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff. That kept me motivated.

At the very end there is an image of me looking up as I come into The Mall and head towards the finish line. I was looking up and thinking of Mum at that exact time the photo was taken. It was a very special and emotional moment.

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