ISLE of Wight mum Rachael Palmer completed the 2022 London Marathon on Sunday in memory of her daughter, Delilah Monaghan, who died from a rare kidney cancer in July 2015.

Delilah was just three years old at the time and had battled the disease, known as mesoblastic nephroma, for well over a year.

Rachael said: "Initially Delilah was given a 95 per cent survival rate but that gradually deteriorated.

"She endured 11 cycles of chemotherapy and 20 sessions of high dose radiotherapy where she had to have a general anaesthetic for each one and a stem cell harvest."

Isle of Wight County Press: Rachael's running vest with her daughter's name on the front and her picture on the back. Photos: Rachael Palmer.Rachael's running vest with her daughter's name on the front and her picture on the back. Photos: Rachael Palmer. (Image: Rachael Palmer)

Rachael, of Newport, continued: "She had three major abdominal surgeries to remove tumour and she also had her kidney removed, along with large parts of bowel, and the majority of her psoas muscle.

"She never got into remission and never had a break from treatment.

"Just six weeks after we were told they could do no more for her, she passed away."

Delilah left behind two big brothers, a little sister and a little brother who she never got to meet. 

Rachael started running after Delilah was poorly and did the Great South Run with her then husband a number of times to raise money for the Joe Ellis Trust and Daisy Chains on the Isle of Wight, as well as My Shining Star which is mainland-based, as they were are grateful for the support the charities gave them.

Rachael added: "I was awarded a charity place in the 2018 London Marathon and decided I would go for it...I completed it and vowed to never do it again!"

But she relented and her 2022 London Marathon effort has raised just over £2,600 so far for Children With Cancer UK. 

This year, Rachael ran with Delilah's name on the front of her running vest and her daughter's picture on the back.

She continued: "So much more needs to be done for childhood cancer and I swore to Delilah I would make her proud and also do all I can for children with cancer.

"I want to be able to try and help assist others in the way we were assisted when Delilah was poorly."

Click HERE to donate to Rachael's JustGiving page.

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Click here to enter the ballot for places in the 2023 London Marathon, which closes on Friday, October 7.

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