Rosie Murrell – Bristol Half Marathon

“In February 2019, my dad, Rich, was diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer. At the time, Dad described it as a “bolt from the blue” and hearing the ‘C’ word (not that one…) felt huge. His main symptom had been hiccups. He’d been going to the doctors for about a year being given various pills and potions to try and get rid of his hiccups before his diagnosis.

Following his diagnosis, and thanks to our wonderful NHS, Dad went through years of chemotherapy, immunotherapy research drug trials, radiotherapy & a huge operation, which gave him a couple of impressive shark-bite style scars. He approached his diagnosis and treatment with a brave, positive mental attitude. He didn’t let it grind him down and he continued to say yes to every opportunity and new experience whilst he could.

We sadly lost Dad in December 2023. He did so well for so long and his positivity was incredible. He was the best Dad and I feel very lucky that we had him in our lives for the time that we did. We are now adjusting to our lives with a dad-shaped hole in it and we miss him beyond belief.

OPA are one of the fantastic charities that helped my Dad and for that, I am very grateful.

My best friend, Faye, and I decided to run the Bristol Half Marathon and thought it would be a good way to raise money for OPA. Together our friends and families managed to raise over £1300 and it was such a great day! We had a picture of my dad on our backs & the support from the crowds and fellow runners (not sure I can call myself that!) was incredible! It was 23° and absolutely sweltering but so worth it!!”

– Rosie Murrell