Octavia's marathon in memory of sister Bella

“When Bella was three, she was complaining of pain in her stomach. Mum took her to the GP where they found she had a swollen liver and had a blood test. She was then sent to A&E and was referred to a high-dependency ward. Bella was transferred to GOSH shortly after and was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

“For the next five years, Bella had treatment for her leukaemia, which was split between GOSH and our local hospital.

“During that time, she underwent 65 doses of chemotherapy and went under general anaesthetic 60 times for different operations and procedures.

“Bella had periods of both staying at GOSH and being an outpatient – in total, she spent over 365 nights in the hospital.”

“In 2010, we were told that Bella needed a bone marrow transplant and that all the family would have to be tested to see if we were a match.

“The results came back, and I was the better match.

“I was nervous about the operation but understood the importance of it. After all, it was the best option to try and keep Bella alive – what sister wouldn’t want that?

“I was just there for the day for the operation, and then I was given iron pills and had some time off school.

“They showed me the bone marrow they had taken from me and I then went and sat in Bella’s room where they immediately gave it to her. My mum told me recently that Bella was anxious that it would hurt her and her GOSH consultant was very helpful and reassuring.

“I was able to be with Bella when she was having the transplant. I do remember it was very sore and uncomfortable, aching rather a lot after.

“After the operation, I wasn’t allowed to visit Bella in her hospital room for around nine weeks because her immune system was so low. I could only see her through the window in the corridor and ring her, so that was difficult and strange for us both.

"Unfortunately, after the bone marrow transplant, Bella relapsed again in October 2010.

“After this point, Bella stopped responding to treatment and she passed away on 19 May 2011, when she was eight.”

“I remember that lots of activities used to be put on for Bella. There were loads of fun ones. I remember decorating cookies; it was really nice that I was able to join in. I remember the staff were accommodating to Bella – they used to bring her drip and other equipment, making sure it was always accessible.

“Bella absolutely loved the ‘musical medicine’ activity they had. Sometimes they would even come to her room to do it!

“We went to a party that GOSH Charity hosted, with Stella McCartney and Kate Moss. I can’t remember what it was put on for, but it was such a fun outing.

“Remarkably Bella always enjoyed going to GOSH. She did like staying there, she didn’t dread it.

“Bella was very bubbly and cheeky. I guess because she was so young, she kind of thought the hospital was normal, and she made the most of all the fun things that were on offer.

“After Bella passed away, my mum stayed in touch with a couple of Bella’s doctors.”

“When I saw that GOSH Charity was one of the charities I could apply to raise money for [through the London Marathon], it seemed like a no-brainer. I thought that Bella would like it and would be cheering me on.

“It’s my first time running a marathon but my training is going well. I’m looking forward to it, but I think it will be quite emotional! My parents and other family and friends will be there to support me.”