Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My wonderful father sadly passed away after a long battle against various illnesses and despite fighting on just beyond my birthday in a most stoic fashion that truly personified his charisma and spirit, the odds were stacked too high against him. Those that knew him will be aware of his various battles with heart and lung disease, galt, diabetes, septicemia, shingles - you name it, he had it and took it all on with a smile. However the true challenge in his life was the loss of his sight through Retinitis Pigmentosa - a genetic disease that left affected his site from his 20s and left him blind by the time he was 50. Always one to provide a light touch, he would centre his dark humour around his own disability, and his unique approach to handling his disease made him like no other. Revered and missed in equal measure, he was a real hero.

He refused to be pitied, and walked proud, never complaining nor discussing the pain he really felt at no longer being able to see his wife or sons' faces any longer. He tried every procedure available and met with every specialist to gain back his sight, but spared no expense in supporting worthwhile charities that could credibly help cure those who suffered with various other forms of blindness.

In my life so far my greatest attempt at fundraising is a moustache for Movember. My dad was a real fighter who took obstacles head on and inspired amiration in all those that knew him. He is my role model, and whilst I am lucky to never have suffered like he did, I want to take on a real challenge that symbolises his suffering and donate on his behalf. A 10 K doesnt cut it. A marathon doesnt cut it. My dad was a warrior who tackled every obstacle in his life without complaint or requiring sympathy. The only event on earth that could compare is Tough Mudder - known as the toughest event on the planet. Whilst I cant promise I wont complain or require sympathy - I can promise to go from a lazy sofa sitting layabout, to a top shape athletic army style competitor to tackle a real challenge that would make my father proud.

Please show your support and donate generously to this great cause that meant a lot to my father, and I will continue to hit the gym, and the running track every day I can from now until the day of the event, which coincidentally is right in between the day he passed away, and his birthday - this will be a fitting tribute to a wonderful role model and amazing human being who is missed dearly by all.

PS: The event is a half marathon with this thrown into the mix: http://toughmudder.co.uk/obstacles/

Thank you,

Daniel