I am running the London Marathon 2018 in support of my sister Deborah James (aka @BowelBabe) and Bowel Cancer UK.

My 26th birthday was more memorable than most, but unfortunately not for the best of reasons, as Deborah was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel Cancer.

Since that day in December 2016 (after shaking off the hangover), she has made it her goal to "live" with cancer, face it head-on and raise awareness by talking about things that most people find too awkward!

Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer however it shouldn’t be because it is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone diagnosed at the earliest stage will survive bowel cancer but this drops significantly as the disease develops.

I've seen first-hand the amazing work that Bowel Cancer UK do on a daily basis, and any money raised really will help to prevent other people being in Deborah's situation in the future.

My marathon training, or lack of it, has not been the easiest (full of late night, soaking wet, snow-filled runs). However, compared to the hours of surgery, chemotherapy and hospital visits that Debs has undertaken in that time I probably can't complain!

Debs can explain her story and talk about poo far better than I ever could. I'm incredibly proud of how she has taken it upon herself to increase awareness of this rarely talked about cancer that impacts so many lives.

In the last year, she has shared her story with over 21k Instagram followers, in her weekly column in The Sun, and through her BBC Radio 5 Live podcast You, Me and the Big C. She is even releasing a book!

Please please do take a look at the links below, spread the word, and donate if you are able to so that we can all say F*** You to cancer sooner.

Feel free to come and cheer me and Ashley around the course on April 22nd, all supporters are very welcome!

Thank you so much

Ben x

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Debs has raised awareness of Bowel Cancer and shared her story to tens of thousands, if not millions, of people, all whilst undergoing several major operations and 21 cycles of chemotherapy...so far. Please take a look:

• Follow Debs on Instagram @Bowelbabe (or Twitter, Facebook etc.): www.instagram.com/bowelbabe

• Listen to her fantastic BBC Radio 5 Live Podcast - You, me and the Big C: "The coolest club you never want to be a part of… A candid look at cancer, with Rachael Bland, Deborah James and Lauren Mahon. They are you…but with dodgier cells!": apple.co/2tp9ddf

• Read her weekly column in The Sun (p.s. I take no responsibility for the photo content!): https://www.thesun.co.uk/topic/things-cancer-made-me-say/

• Watch her interview on BBC Breakfast: https://www.facebook.com/bbcbreakfast/videos/1659143434099788/

• More info on Bowel Cancer UK: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/real-life-stories/deborah-james,-35-from-london/