Hannah Stone

Mystery Marathon

“Isabel did not read books; she devoured them” – Isabel Hope by Christine Coltman

I think the above could easily describe me! And I now want to use my love of books to support a charity very close to my heart, Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT).

I was diagnosed with cancer in 2014, which was then diagnosed as terminal in February 2015. I was later told in November 2015 I was actually in remission.

Throughout this time, TCT was there for me. I was a young adult facing a terrible disease and TCT gave me the extra support, which made it just that bit easier. I had to be admitted to hospital several times, and each time was fortunate to get one of their private rooms. Each room was en-suite, had a sofa that could double as a bed when Mum needed to sleep over, a desk and a free TV. There was also a breakout room, complete with jukebox, pool table, another TV, food and craft stuff.

I’ve stayed in “normal” hospital wards before and so can testify to how much their amazing rooms meant I felt more like a person than just a patient. All the staff were so kind and helpful, and everyone had a colourful name badge, so I knew who I was talking to. They ran various activities which I could take part in and meet other cancer sufferers who were on the same wave length as me.

They also had a social worker who helped me claim all the benefits I was entitled to, as well as signposting me to other organisations who worked with young cancer sufferers.

So, as a small way of saying thank you, I want to raise money to allow them to keep doing their amazing work, helping young people who are living with cancer.

In 26 days*, I aim to read 12 Agatha Christie books, personally selected by my mother, an Agatha Christie fan. That’s just over two days per book. Whilst I know many of the stories, I haven’t always read the book.

The books she has chosen for me are:

·        Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot)

·        Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Poirot)

·        After The Funeral (Poirot)

·        Cat Among the Pigeons (Poirot)

·        Curtain (Poirot)

·        Sleeping Murder (Miss Marple)

·        The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side (Miss Marple)

·        The Secret of Chimneys

·        The Sittaford Mystery

·        Murder is Easy

·        Parker Pyne Investigates (Short Stories)

·        The Listerdale Mystery (Short Stories)

*I won’t be taking part in the challenge on Sundays, as, being a Christian, I see Sunday as a special day when we should focus on God.

P.S. Fun fact, the lady in the picture when you click on £33 was one of the amazing people who helped me. The day I was diagnosed as terminal, she sat with me and my family, gave us space when we needed it and ensured we weren’t disturbed by other members of staff. I’ll never forget what she and the other staff did for us.