Kemi Joy

Landmark - Almost - Half Marathon!

Trials and Triumphs!

I lost both my parents to cancer in recent years, while they were both still in their 60s.

Then last October, I received a – very different, but still debilitating – chronic disease diagnosis of my own, that, together with other complications, had caused inflammation and immobility that ballooned my weight by over 5 stones in just 12 months.

Today I stand, having confronted the trajectory of my health, through a determined focus on – and application of - research into food, fitness, medication and mindset.

This same focus is what sets the World Cancer Research Fund apart as a charity and I am excited to both learn from them and partner with them - in raising funds for such an innovative and empowering cause. 

Last October, I could barely walk, but once the worst of my symptoms had passed, I started run-walking in the summer.

Those tiny, incremental steps were grueling at the time, but yesterday (fast-forward to 18.10.2025!) I completed my morning run, without stopping, at just under half-marathon distance. And I LOVED it! 

Every day, for me, is a fight to be stronger and persevere.

And running saves me. Every. Single. Time.

Even when I wake up full of anger and fear…

Every day I lean into the joy.

For myself.

For my two young daughters.

And for every person who has the same diagnosis as my parents - and/or various connected illnesses - the work of WCRF PROVES that so many symptoms can be better managed and even overcome, through the detail in what we eat and how we exercise.

So, any and every donation to the WCRF cause would be HUGELY appreciated.

I’m trailblazing my way to and through this marathon, even if I end up run-hobbling to that finish line!