I’ve been keeping a little secret, well actually it’s quite a big one. I’m going to be running The Paris Marathon next April.
Oh my goodness, it all sounds a bit real now!
I’ve spent much of my working life as an Oncology nurse and have I’ve lost too many people close to me including my father and good friends to cancer.
More recently, my much loved and very much missed Mother in Law, Wendy to Ovarian Cancer.
On 13th April 2025, I’m running the Paris Marathon in Wendy’s honour, to raise funds and awareness for the Ovarian Cancer charity, Ovarian Cancer Action and the Blood Cancer charity, DKMS of which I’ve been an Ambassador for almost 6 years.
It won’t be easy, it’s been quite some time since I ran anywhere but I’m going to give it my best! That’s a promise xx
I’d love your support. Every penny donated, every conversation started to support my Mission is very much welcomed.
I have two fundraising pages, one for each charity Ovarian Cancer Action and DKMS, the blood cancer charity so any support would be amazing. Be sure to check out both pages for additional information on each charity.
You may know that over the last few of years, I’ve been taking part in little Missions to raise funds and awareness for the Blood Cancer charity DKMS. It all started with one crazy idea, if you’d like to find out more click here: I’ve comitted to raising at least £600 for DKMS with for this Marathon.
Please do follow me on Instagram to keep updated with what’s happening with the #roadtoparis Mission and more! If you are part of a corporate company or your friends, family and colleagues would like to get involved, I’d love to hear from them too.
Strava is where my training is uploaded (you’ll be able to see just how slow I am!)
Finally, if you’d like to join me on a training run or would like to chat about my Mission, I’d LOVE to hear from you.
Thank you…
…for not thinking I’m crazy and for your support. I am honestly so nervous about this one. hopefully, with a big dollop of grit and determination, I’ll be able to conquer the Paris Marathon and do Wendy and the charities proud.
28th May is super important.. It’s World Blood Cancer Day. As a former Oncology Nursing Sister and proud Ambassador for DKMS, the Blood Cancer Charity, this weeks Blog is totally focused on sharing with you MORE about this very special day.
As always, I’d love you to grab a cuppa and find a comfy spot to read more about why it’s important, how you can get involved and much more.. Here we go..
Every 27 seconds, someone somewhere in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer.
DKMS
Shocking isn’t it?
So in the time it’s taken you to start reading this blog, someone has just received simply devastating news that they have Blood Cancer. It creates a huge ripple, affecting not just themselves, but their family, friends, collagues and so on..
On this day, every day and especially on World Blood Cancer Day on Sunday 28th May, I’m asking for your help: to help me spread awareness and support for DKMS and the incredible work they do – Every. Single. Day.
“A blood cancer diagnosis is a shock and often marks the start of a race against time. For many patients, their only chance of survival is to find a matching blood stem cell donor, as fast as possible.”
DKMS
What do you need to know?
The term “blood cancer” is a general description of various hematopoietic cancers; such as
Leukaemia; a type of blood cancer that affects blood cells in your bone marrow.
Lymphomas: constitute a large and diverse group of neoplasms originating from the lymphoid system. Depending on which cells in the lymphatic system the cancer originates from, it can cause different symptoms and affect different organs. Among lymphomas there are non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).
Multiple myeloma: Plasma cell myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a cancer of the bone marrow.
This must watch two minute video from DKMS explains what blood cancer is and how the blood cancer develops:
What is DKMS?
DKMS is an international nonprofit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders. They are constantly working to convince as many people as possible to join the blood stem cell register. The best way to share with you just how important DKMS is by showing you this 3 minute video –
“My big dream is that every patient will be saved from blood cancer and other blood disorders.
When they get sick, we have a solution for them; whether it’s a donor, improving therapies through research, or simply helping to provide access to transplantation.
In this approach, we see no borders, believing that everyone, everywhere, deserves a second chance at life. We will keep fighting for them and keep spreading the word, recruiting donors, raising money.
Whatever it takes to make this dream a reality.”
Katharina Harf, daughter of the founder of DKMS and Vice Chairwoman of the DKMS Foundation Board
How you can help…?
There are so many ways you can help make your mark against Blood Cancer. You could help me to raise awareness, join the register, or take on a fundraising challenge. Anything you can do to help really does make a difference – even simply sharing this blog….
Order a swab kit online:Answer a few simple questions about yourself to make sure you’ll be able to safely donate if needed. If it’s a yes, then you’ll be directed to a page where you can request your swab kit online.
Swab your cheeks and return your kit: Swab the inside of your cheeks and send the swabs back to DKMS (there are instructions on the pack that you’ll be sent).
The swabs will then be analysed in the lab to determine your HLA (tissue) characteristics – this is how donors and patients are matched.
You’ll be added to the register: Once your samples have been analysed, you’ll be added to the register and you will be available for patients all around the world who are searching for a donor. Isn’t that amazing!
You are a match: If you come up as a potential match for someone, the donation process can begin. The DKMS team will be in touch as soon as possible.
They will ask you for a blood sample to confirm that you are the best possible match for the person in need of a transplant.
Peripheral blood stem cell donation: In 90% of cases, stem cells are collected peripherally (apheresis). This involves taking stem cells directly from the bloodstream. You’ll be able to have this done as an outpatient and it does not require surgery.
Bone marrow donation. In 10% of cases, the stem cells are collected from the back of your pelvic bone. This is carried out under general anaesthetic.
The patient receives your blood stem cells. The collected blood stem cells are transplanted to the patient, in a procedure similar to a blood transfusion.
A second chance at life. Your job is done and your incredible donation will help to give someone a second chance at life.
World Blood Cancer Day is Sunday 28th May
“We celebrate life every day”
DKMS Motto
How else can I help?
Make It Red
This year DKMS have launched the #makeitred theme. If you decide to make a red cake, turn your social media red, don a red jumper, put on red shoes or apply red lipstick. It’s totally fine by us. whatever you choose, let’s make it red!
Blood Cancer Patients needs our help more than ever after the pandemic. We are in urgent need of new potential lifesavers to sign up, so why not consider sharing a selfie wearing something red using the hashtag #MakeItRed.
Nominate a family member or friend to do the same and make sure they order a home swab kit.
You’ll be in good company, because you’ll be joined by some of our amazing celebrity supporters, as well as some much appreciated political support from MP’s, who will all be making it red to support DKMS.
“4 out of 10 people looking for an unrelated matching donor worldwide are not able to find a match. But you can help us change this.”
DKMS
Make a donation or get involved in my Mission 50!
It costs DKMS £40 to register just one potential blood stem cell donor. Not everyone who signs up is able to contribute towards this cost, so they need our help. As DKMS say ” you provide the hope and they will cover the rest!”
There are many ways you can support and raise valuable funds – including using give as you shop, via easy fundraising.which means you can raise FREE donations for Mission 50 and DKMS, every time you shop online. Over 4,000 shops and sites will donate to this page when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself!
These donations really mount up and make a BIG difference to me and the Charity, so we’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to sign up and support @DKMS_UK and I. It’s completely FREE and only takes a moment.
“The aftermath of the pandemic means blood cancer patients need our help more than ever, and we are in urgent need of new potential lifesavers to sign up to join our register.”
DKMS
Join me in the 5km virtual run, jog or walk. This is our second year hosting the event and I’d love you to take part.
Buy a Perfect Touch Collection, a stunning collection of products to treat your hands. For every collection sold, £5 is donated to Mission 50 for DKMS. Find out more
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read this blog. I’m passionate about doing what I can, to help DKMS do what they can, in their Mission. I’m a firm believer that, we can all do a little something to support others – TODAY I’ve love you to show your support for DKMS.
I’d be so grateful if you can please share this post – we need to get the important information to as many people as possible and YOU can help that.. Click the little arrow and share away.
Imagine relaxing here! Image credit: The Garden Company
A Little Mission – Refresh your Garden for spring so that you can enjoy your outdoor space as much as you would any room in your home.
Funny isn’t it how you can kid yourself that there can’t be too much to do in order to get the garden into a place ready for entertaining. I spent a lot of time in the garden last year but taking a look this last week, I have a “to do” list longer than I had anticipated.. Mainly because, just like the previous Blogs in this mini series, I was looking with fresh eyes, new ideas and my creating brain started whirring!
Discovery consists not in seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes
Marcel Proust
I’m not an expert gardener by any stretch of the imagination, but I hope that by sharing what has worked for me from an organisational point of view, might help you too. I’m learning every day and enjoying that process. Can’t beat a good Mission hey!
There’s something quite special about bringing flowers into the home straight from the garden.
We have a little family joke that looking after the garden is like outdoor housework and I guess in some ways it is!
Much like a Spring Refresh in your home, a plan is good. Remember you don’t need to do all the jobs in one day! Take that pressure away! Sometimes we can overwhelm ourselves with the prospect that a job will be BIG, time consuming, expensive and then we procrastinate..
With any project, home, garden, work or life; break it down into bite size chunks. Knowing the tasks ahead of you means you can plan a Power of an Hour or two to get started on your Spring Refresh – Garden Style!
Adding a seating area where you can enjoy a morning coffee or a glass of some chilled in the evening, need not break the bank.
First things first!
Grab a notebook and take a wonder around your garden, making a note of :
Paintwork that needs updating – fences, garden furniture, sheds and gates etc.
Any repairs that need doing; maybe a latch on the gate needs replacing or some paving has come loose.
Pots and tubs – do they need some attention? Are there any cracks or need an upcycle with a lick of paint before you plant out your seedlings?
Paving and walls – do they need some attention? Again, like your tubs, are there any cracks? Would they benefit from a powerwash or deep clean or your walls a paint?
Grass – that first cut is always a highlight and makes a world of difference instantly! As does redefining the edges that may have become scraggly over the winter months.
Service! This might be a time to give the lawnmover, strimmer and any garden tools a service or bit of TLC, depending on how organised you were at the end of last Summer!
This list isn’t exhaustive obviously, remember we are talking about a Spring Refresh in your garden, not designing a new outdoor space. However, creating this list, helped me plan what needs doing and when I could block out some time (and weather depending) when it could fit into my diary.
Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’
Robin Williams
Mission Spring Clean!
I was introduced to a product a couple of years ago now which I love. Wet and Forget – literally does what it says on the bottle! If you have a delicate area that wouldn’t withstand a powerwasher or like us, you don’t have one, this is for you! Simply spray on the patio, driveway, walls etc and forget about it.
Within days, you’ll start to notice the area becoming cleaner and brighter. Give the patio, driveway area a good brush with a hard brush and you’ll notice any moss and weeds will come loose too. It’s quick, simple and more importantly works! It’s saved us a fortune – we’ve not needed to repaint the house!
Before: wall to the left vs the wall & the step 3 days laterWet and Forget, magical powers! This is the “before” and “after” just a couple of days.
Mission – Refresh Your Garden For Spring!
Paint work, especially on fences, decking and your garden furniture will certainly benefit from a little freshen up. There are hundreds of paints and treatments available, depending on your preference. Many have a preservative treatment within the paint, helping to give a longer life to your furniture.
Top tips from Cuprinol
Preparation: All surfaces should be clean and dry. If your area to be up cycled has been previously coated, loose, flaking paint should be stripped back to bare wood. Test a small area first for colour and adhesion.
Colour: The final colour will vary depending on the surface and number of coats. Should adhesion be inadequate on previous coatings, lightly sand before application. Make sure wood has been pre treated with appropriate wood preserver to prevent wood and decay.
Apply: in dry conditions, above 5 degrees Celsius and when bad weather is not forecast, minimum of 2 coats required.
Brush: Stir thoroughly, before and during use. Brush on product, evenly, along the grain.
Spray: Stir thoroughly before pouring contents into the Cuprinol sprayer. Refer to the Sprayer user guide for full instructions before every use. Cover any nearby surfaces in case of overspray. Any overspray should be cleaned up immediately (whilst still wet) with water and household detergent.
Dry: Cuprinol Garden Shades will be touch dry in 1 hour under normal weather conditions. On areas subject to wear, such as garden furniture, allow a few days before heavy use or contact with soft furnishings. Believed to be safe, once dry, for use on wood which pets, wild animals and birds come into contact or gnaw.
Even a small space can have a big inpact. The planters are from The Basket Company
Mission: Spring Refresh your Entertaining Space.
Regardless of how big or small your garden is, a little space where you can enjoy the a coffee morning sun or a chilled glass of wine in the evening, is magical. Enjoying our outdoor space, is invaluable.
There’s something quite special about enjoying a cuppa and conversation outside.
Inspiration
Google, Pinterest and Instagram are a great place to start when looking for inspiration but be warned – it’s so easy to get sidetracked! There’s a variety depending on budget or you may be inspired to make your own! I hope they inspire you.
Our garden furniture was a gift when we moved into our first home together. We’ve not yet decided on our seating design or brand but I’ve shared some of my favourites finds for you, should you be looking too.
It really is hanging on by a thread or maybe the many layers of paint we’ve used to get “just another year” from it, for both sentimental reasons and also financial. Anyone slowly but surely renovating their home will know, there is a list of priorities!
Garden Trading CompanyCox and CoxPinterestPinterestNeptune Cox and Cox
The Little Touches!
The fun bit!
Plants, lighting and soft furnishings can really add the finishing touches to your garden or “outdoor room”. Balcony or grand estate, a Spring Refresh, there are hundreds and thousands of ideas that will turn your space into a sanctuary you’ll truly love.
I really hope that you are well and able to enjoy some time outside and that really hope this has helped you get motivated and inspired to get on with your Big Spring Refresh – The Garden.
How we long for long, warm summer days, the sound of laughter and the clinking of glasses as we welcome friends and family back into our gardens.
I really can’t wait for the warmer days now can you?
Are you spending this weekend tackling the garden jobs?
What’s on your Mission list to refresh your garden For Spring?
I’d love to know what garden projects you have planned this year. Let me know in the comments below and join in the conversation on Instagram The Dartmoor Village Garden board on was created for my White Garden inspiration if you fancy taking a look..
Looking hearward from you.
Much love
PS Alice Blount Designs and I wrote a blog about Gardening being good for the soul , it’s still available on the Blog should you wish to take a look.
I’m going to show you how you can save a life by doing three things today. Saving a life sounds pretty dramatic doesn’t it? However, in this Blog, I’ll be sharing simple tools that’ll help in less than 2 minutes.
” Knowing that little bag of goodness is potentially going to save someone’s life who you’ve never met is incredibly hard to describe until you do it!
It’s the most surreal feeling, so to anyone thinking about it – do it!”
Jade, stem cell donor
2. Talk!!
Yes, so simple but SO effective. Only 3% of the populations are on the Stem Cell register. Many don’t know about the incredible work that DKMS do…
We can change that..
Please help me spread the word.. Tell your friends, share this link and together we can help so many more people by raising awareness and funds for this super important cause, close to my heart.
Every 27 seconds, someone somewhere in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer.
Whenever you shop, the “donation reminder” will flash up reminding you the company you are shopping with will donate a percentage of your order to the Mission 50.
It sounds too good to be true but it really isn’t! There are hundreds of brands involved so whether you’re completing your online food shopping or renewing your pet insurance, you can add valuable pennies to DKMS without doing anything at all!
You can turn your weekly grocery shopping into big donations for DKMS_UK when you use easyfundraising. They’ve even put together all the latest donations and offers from your favourite supermarkets in one place!
Not only that…
You can WIN daily prizes worth £100 for yourself by entering the #easyfundraising Summer of Fun giveaway until 31st July!
For an entry, visit their competition page and shop with any of the listed brands. The FREE donations you raise will also make a BIG difference to us, so please take a moment to get involved! Visit here and find out more…
Finally;
Follow me on instagram for more regular updates on what crazy things I’m up to and how you can support.
Here’s what’s coming up!
July 2024
Virtual 5km Fun Run or walk.
For the third year running, I’m hosting I have fab news that if you missed the virtual 5km run / walk on 7th July, you can still join in! 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 5𝐤𝐦? Anytime before the end of 31st July 2022 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥? Take a selfie, share on your social media, using the hashtag #mission50fordkms and I’ve just run 5km for @dkms_uk and @Claire_womanonamission We will then send you a medal as a thank you for taking part!
Virtual Ride from SWDevon to DKMS HQ in Chiswick
You may remember in March I cycled from DKMS HQ, London to DKMS HQ in Germany, totalling over 330 miles? Well, I’m at it again!
This time from West to East!
A total of 220.8 miles on the Keiser bike! Huge thanks to Digme Fitness for their ongoing support.
August 2022
Turns out I’m a little bonkers! Shh, don’t answer that! My two teenagers and I are throwing ourselves out of a plane at 17,000ft, free falling for 60 seconds and skydiving to the ground. All for @dkms_uk
This alternative triathlon involves a 17km cycle across Snowdonia National Park, a 14km trek up Snowdon and 4km paddle round the stunning Llyn Padarn. Take in the sights of the UK’s wildest adventure playground, challenge yourself, and raise money to help delete blood cancer!
Join the Team This will be a 100% DKMS event, so a great way to meet fellow supporters and feel part of Team DKMS.
I was really hoping to be able to run my 5th London Marathon in London, but it was not meant to be. Instead, I have a virtual place and will be trekking along the South West Coastal Path whilst the masses run the streets of London.
There’s a lot more planned so keep posted..
If there’s one thing you do today is to remember there are three ways you can help save a life:
Join me on my invitation to view the new Summer Collection, lunch and share a behind the scenes tour of Nkuku Lifestyle Store. Nkuku, based near Totnes in Devon, has been newly refurbished in recent months. After several postponements, I was delighted to finally meet with the team again and see all their hard work. The Store looked fabulous, especially the newly refurbished and extended cafe. More about the cafe later.
Nkuku is based in two refurbished barns, displaying the Collections in stunning styles you can replicate in your own home. There is free parking and wifi, I might have to make this my new place to sit and write, it’s so lovely.
I’ve created 3 mood boards with my favourite pieces from the new summer collection. The new pieces are of a variety of price ranges and easily adapted to your style. The light, tactile and natural materials are easily adaptable in any living space, regardless of the size or location of your home. I hope the boards inspire you!
The Garden Room
Inspired by nature and natural surroundings, the garden room or conservatory is a perfect place for relaxing, reading and entertaining. I love candles and the braided hemp designs to bring the outside in and all the pieces together.
The Ondal round braided hemp side table (top left). The appealing braided pattern is expertly crafted by hand using the warm, golden fibres of hemp. This attractive side table feels solid and sturdy and works well as a neutral layer in a living room, garden room or snug area.. This table would also work well as a footstool or an occasional seat.
Planters (centre) are a fabulous way to add green and a refresh to your garden or garden room.
Sia Lantern (top right and bottom centre ) are elegant and striking, these lanterns are enhanced with an antique black metal finish. This frame holds the tall glass panels and provides the perfect silhouette for a church candle or t-light. Easily transported from home to the garden, creating a beautiful setting wherever they are.
Halali Fire Pit Kadai with Surround (bottom right) is the perfect fire pit to make a focal point in your outdoor living space. This statement piece is generously proportioned and crafted from solid iron. The traditional fire bowl shape is surrounded by a striking and practical table edge, perfect for warming those plates!
Alwar Outdoor Wall Light (bottom left) adds a sense of grace to any outdoor setting or garden room. The antique brass patina of the stylish swan neck and lamp head pares elegantly with the clear glass shade. This iconic design works well with traditional and contemporary homes alike and produces a soft warm glow.
Halali Fire Pit
The Sitting Room
Inspired by shades of white, neutrals, wood, touches of greenery and of course, living by the Devon coast a touch of blue. Cosy, comfortable and light is the feel of our room; perfect for cosying up in front of the fire and a good book in the winter and light and airy in the summer months too.
Muturi Glass Floor Lamp – Antique Brass I love this combination of warm antique brass and elegant clear glass. The striking mix of materials makes this a standout piece in any home. A classic design that works well with neutrals and bold colour scapes alike.
The Deni Collection (middle centre and bottom left) is generously proportion with deep, sumptuous seat cushions. The Grand combines soft contours, luxurious comfort and timeless design, in a stylish UK crafted solid wood framework with pure Brera Linen upholstery and solid wood legs. The Grand is designed as a luxurious and generous two-seater sofa, perfect for those who like to spread out, but it can accommodate three if and when required. Available in six muted shades, of which you can order a free swatch pack giving you the chance to feel the fabric and see the colour choices.
Kajala Cotton Cushion Cover (left and top centre) These cushion covers are beautiful soft and tactile. The simple, monochrome colour palette is calming and versatile, with the geometric design crafted from black thread, running through the fabric in a softly broken line.
Chara Hammered Bottles (middle centre) I love these for simple yet elegant styling around your home. The bottles are decorated with a hammered glass finish and etched detail. The bottle is skilfully created by blowing glass through the brass ring in this stylish design. Perfectly styled with with with simple stem, alone. One of mine is styled with fairy lights
Braided Hemp Rug (bottom right of the above mood board) A timeless rug, beautifully hand braided from hemp in this eye-catching traditional pattern. The warm gold hues of the hemp give the rugs a tactile, neutral appearance and understated style, perfect for any living space, conservatory or family room.
The Kitchen
The heart of the home. The busiest space of the house. With two teens, this room needs to be practical, effective and with Nkuku’s styling storage jars and accessories, the new collection ticks many boxes. A place for everything and everything in it’s place! See my pantry makeover for more inspiration.
Kamtha Water Hyacinth Tray (centre) These round trays are woven from water hyacinth, a plant that grows in abundance in the waterways of Vietnam. The warm, golden tones and attractive braiding work make them a great accessory to add texture and a natural touch to your interior. I keep mine on a side table in the garden room /conservatory.
Charal Storage Jars The simple clear glass body and mango wood top of this Charai storage jar makes it the perfect everyday organisational accessory. Finished with a silicon seal to ensure that its contents remain fresh, the Charai is the perfect jar in which to keep a variety of ingredients from pulses and grains to herbs and spices.
The Dura white marble wine cooler (above left) will enhance any party. The striking variegated tones and smooth tactile finish of the luxury marble makes it the perfect accessory for entertaining and would look stunning on any kitchen island.
Recycled Glass Dome Cake Stand (left and top left) These elegant recycled glass cake domes provide a stylish way to display and store culinary delights from cakes to cheeses. The dome slots neatly into the mango wood base.
Full range of delicious homemade treats available in the new Lifestyle Cafe
Visit Nkuku Life Style Store
If you are coming to Devon this spring or summer, do pop Nkuku Lifestyle Store on your list of places to visit. Plan your trip around a light snack or lunch. You’ll love it.
The cafe has been full refurbished and extended, leading out onto the courtyard, so you can enjoy the warmer weather. There is plenty of space both inside and outside for dining or simply sipping a coffee or iced tea.
The new food menu celebrates the very best of local and seasonal produce working with artisan bakers, farmers and cheesemakers throughout the south west of England.
Nkuku’s suppliers are handpicked to ensure they are supporting local, independent producers who share their passion for sustainability.
The menu caters for vegan and vegetarian diets too. With soups to homemade warm tartlets served with dressed salad leaves and a specials.
Their sharing boards look absolutely delicious with currently four choices from a selection of cheeses, charcuterie, cheese and charcuterie and a plant based board.
You really will be spoilt for choice, let’s not even talk about the full range of homemade tasty treats!
I can confirm lunch was indeed delicious! I did manage to refrain from the scrumptious looking bakes though!
Whether you are local or visitor to our county, you’ll certainly be greeted with a warm welcome.
Thank you Helen and all the team at Nkuku for a wonderful visit. It was, as always, a delight to see you.
Chara Hammered bottle in my Laundry Room.
I could truly sit here all day!
I hope the blog has given you an insight into this stunning Lifestyle Store which I’m delighted to say is on my doorstep and that the mood boards have inspired you.
I have two fundraising pages, one for each charity Ovarian Cancer Action and DKMS, the blood cancer charity so any support would be amazing. Be sure to check out both pages for additional information on each charity.
