I first met Les back in 2006.  The moment she walked through the door her larger than life character scared me. She was loud, highly enthusiastic, straight talking yet sarcastic, full of humour and wore a permanent smile.  she wasn't like anyone I had ever met before. Little did I know several years down the line I would get to call her a friend, and a bloody good one at that! (even though I still remained scared of her telling me off!) 

Lesleys approach to life was proactive, never one to moan or complain about anything. 

When Les first started feeling unwell she went to the doctors explaining her symptoms. It was here she was misdiagnosed with a water infection. knowing her own body and knowing she still wasn't right Lesley returned the doctors insisting further action. 

In feburary 2014 Les was diagnosed with the devastating news that she had stage three ovarian cancer. 

At the time of diagnosis her daughter Danika was 5 months pregnant with Lesley's first grandchild. This, along with Les' phemoninal attitude, spured her on to achieve great things.

Throughout Lesley's two year battle with cancer she didn't stop once to complain, instead she used time and energy helping others. 

She campaigned and won the right to be allowed a life prolonging drug (originally denied due to the healthcare "postcode lottery" system) she even addressed the matter in front of The Assembly fighting for other woman facing the same problem. Along with family and friends Lesley has also raised thousands of pounds for charity by doing what she loved most, socialising and partying. 

Lesley achieved so much during her battle, she was true to herself yet remained selfless. May 2016 the time come when the Queen of Barry said her final farewell 💔

Since Lesley's passing family and friends continue to work hard raising awareness and fundraising. As part of my contribution this year I will be running the Great North Run.

Lesley always encouraged me to push that little harder in life and was forever egging me on to do the things I was too scared to do.

And, well, this is one of those.. I wouldn't be doing if it wasn't for our Les!!! 

In September Danika and myself will travel to Newcastle where I will run my second half marathon with the goal of a sub 2hr race time. A big ask for little legs!! 

I will be running for Ovarian Cancer Action with the goal to raise £515. All funds donated to this charity are used for much needed awareness campaigns and critical research in all stages of cancer. 

With the right knowledge and awareness it has the power to change many woman's stories 💚