The Ragazza participated in the Oxford Race for Life on July 12th.
She'd been shy about asking for sponsorship so I stepped in and we raised over £2000 including a late and much appreciated £500 from Sophos Senior Management which, of course, made me cry.
I must admit that I was anxious.
It was less than eight months ago that she lay in the I.C.U. at the John Radcliffe Hospital, having been, as we were cheerfully informed by one of the doctors on duty, a mere ten minutes from death.
It was only three months ago that she was sufficiently strong enough to walk again without crutches.
It was only two months ago that she was able to return to her teaching post full-time.
She still suffers from the effects of the accident that almost killed her.
And yet she was strong enough, brave enough and determined enough to train for the 5 km race.
I suspect that her decision to do so was, in part, to show me what can be achieved, against the odds, with courage and will-power.
It was a moving experience.
So many women with their daughters and a few young boys, so many with their sisters and friends, all running to raise money for Cancer Research UK, and I admit that I was tearful.
But the power of people is limitless, I think. And the sheer goodwill and good energy that the race produced will remain with us for a long time to come.
And my Ragazza not only managed to compete the 5 km race, but she also did so in just under 30 minutes which shocked and impressed her family.
Thank you to those of you who sponsored her.
We, her family, are grateful for your generosity.
And we like to think that maybe, just maybe, the money that was raised on July 12th 2015 may contribute to finding a cure for a cancer that would otherwise have touched someone you love.
Namaste
Julia, Sarah and Jonathan xxx
