Woman running from Norwich to Oxford in memory of aunt

Margaret Simpson, who lived in Horsford, died aged 73 on April 17, 2022, from mucosal melanoma which is a rare but aggressive disease usually diagnosed in advanced stages.

However thanks to the surgery Margaret received in 2015 at Oxford Churchill Hospital, the family were able to enjoy seven more years with her.

Pictured left to right: Kerri, her mum Margaret and her sister Helen (Image: Kerri Mitchell)

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Margaret's daughter Kerri Mitchell, who lives in Old Catton, said: "After mum was diagnosed the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital could only offer palliative care.

"So my cousin Ruth Williams, who was working in Oxford at the time, had some contacts and found someone who was willing to perform surgery on her.

Margaret Simpson and Ruth Williams (Image: Kerri Mitchell)

"She was the perfect mum and only saw the good in people.

"She worked as an assistant at Horsford First School until 2003 helping the special needs children there.

"Mum meant so much to lots of people, not just me."

Margaret Simpson died on April 17, 2022, aged 73 from mucosal melanoma (Image: Kerri Mitchell)

The run is scheduled to start at 9am on Friday, August 18 with family following and encouraging Ruth along the way - with donations via the Melanoma UK website who helped the family after Margaret's death.

Ruth, 42, who has taken up the challenge in memory of her aunt, said: "I previously joked with Margaret that we've all travelled Norwich to Oxford so many times that one day that I should run it, so I am.

"I've done several marathons and ultra marathons - but I decided to up the ante in a bid to raise as much money as possible for a charity very close to the heart of our family.

Ruth Williams will be running 135 miles from the N&N to Oxford Churchill Hospital (Image: Kerri Mitchell)

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"Margaret was an integral part of our family, the kindest person who always sought to spoil everyone.

"We're so grateful we got the extra time with her, but this wasn't because of universal accessibility to the right care, so I hope the funds raised from this challenge will help change that."

Ruth will be running on August 18, starting at 9am (Image: Kerri Mitchell)