I'm running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October for Cavernoma Alliance UK, and I would be so grateful for any donations or support.

As some of you may be aware, my amazing dad, Ben, recently received a diagnosis of cavernoma after suffering a major brain haemorrhage in December, which left him with no sensation on his right side and some other fairly spooky side effects. It was a pretty bleak and uncertain time, with all kinds of scans needed and diagnoses thrown around, and seeing your parent (and best friend, depending on the day) go through that, is terrifying. 

A cavernoma is a common but often unheard of condition caused by a cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spine. Symptomatic cavernoma, like Dad's, is rare: it affects around 1 in 2,700 people. For that reason, there isn't a lot of accessible information about it - this is where CAUK come in. They have been an invaluable source of information about the condition, as well as providing advice and support for those living with it. They offer professional lectures, webinars, and therapy, as well as arranging events to raise awareness about this relatively unknown condition. By promoting research and its application, CAUK are also helping to find a cure for cavernoma by 2030. 

Luckily, Dad's an absolute trooper and is doing much better now, but he's still waiting on some procedures for some more concrete information from the doctors. The nature of the condition means that we're still facing a lot of uncertainty about what our future looks like as a family. We're all crossing our fingers that he'll be able to get back on his bike and continue being a public menace, but at the moment we just don't know, which is tough for us all, but especially for Dad.

CAUK are a great charity, who have been so supportive to us and other individuals across the UK like Dad. Any donations would therefore be much much appreciated! Otherwise, if you fancy coming to watch me, known for my athletic skills and natural running talent, run the Best Half Marathon Ever Seen, feel free. It's going to be one for the books.