Jasmin Owens, a 29-year-old Executive Assistant from Essex, is taking part in this year's Royal Parks Half Marathon, presented by Royal Bank of Canada, in memory of her husband Harrison, who tragically passed away in July of this year following a year-long battle with tongue cancer.

In May of last year, Jasmin’s husband Harrison, aged just 28 at the time, was diagnosed with tongue cancer. Following the diagnosis, Harrison underwent massive reconstruction surgery to remove two tumours which equated to 50% of his tongue, as well as the removal of the lymph nodes in his neck. Harrison continued the gruelling treatment with six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in September 2022. 

“After many weeks in the hospital, Harrison was learning to speak and eat again towards the end of the year. After a ‘clear’ scan at the end of 2022, we looked forward to a brighter year, but just a few weeks later, Harrison was suffering from severe neck pain.”

Following months of tests, appointments and uncertainty, Jasmin and Harrison received the devastating news that a secondary cancer had developed in his neck.

Harrison underwent five types of chemotherapy which were sadly all unsuccessful. Immunotherapy was the last chance for Harrison and would give him a 5% chance of controlling the disease. But in June 2023, Harrison’s cancer became incurable.

“I spent the last seven weeks living in The Royal Marsden and Fair Havens Hospice with Harrison, helping to care for him and enjoy the time we had left together. Harrison sadly lost his fight with cancer on 31st July 2023 at the hospice where he had received outstanding care from the team.”

“Harrison has left behind our two-year-old daughter, Kennedy, as well as many friends and family. A half marathon is a massive challenge for me, and something that Harrison has always encouraged me to do so the timing felt right.”

“Harrison was always my inspiration for big challenges and this just felt like the right one. I’m hoping to raise awareness of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and all the great work they do for so many people and the amazing doctors and nurses who work so incredibly hard to give patients and their families amazing care and support. Not only did they support Harrison and try their very best to make him better, but they also supported the wider family through this heartbreaking time. All the teams at the Royal Marsden deserve medals.”

Reflecting on her training, Jasmin says: “Preparation for the event has been up and down as I have spent a lot of time in the hospital and hospice with my husband, but over the last few months, I have really put my mind into training. Running has kept my focus and strengthened my mindset.”

“Since my husband’s passing it's made me even more committed to do the run in his memory. It will be very emotional on the day but he will be cheering me on from afar.”

“No matter how hard my training is, I know it’s nothing compared to what my husband went through in his battle with cancer.”

To donate to Jasmin’s cause, please visit her fundraising page:

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