I'm lucky enough to be a fit and healthy 33-year-old. Unless I'm having an existential crisis, I don't have to wake up in the morning worrying about how long I've got left in this life. Unfortunately that is not the case for everybody, even people of my age.

Last year my good friend Sam, who is only a couple of years older than me, was diagnosed with late-stage bowel cancer. Despite extensive surgery the tumour could not be removed completely. Sam and his family (including a wife and two young children) are facing this devastating news with a grace and humility that is extremely humbling.

If they can face this huge challenge together in such a positive way then surely I can take on a much less significant task in a bid to raise money for a charity that helps individuals and families through these difficult times?

To this end I have entered this year's Thames Path Challenge, a 100km (62 mile) run alongside the Thames from Putney to Henley-on-Thames, and will be fundraising for MacMillan Cancer Support, whose aim is to make sure that no one faces cancer alone.

Please do ask me if you want more information or need some convincing that this is a good cause - I will do my best to answer any questions. Also, do visit the MacMillan homepage and have a look at what they do. Please give generously, and I will do all I can to make it across that finish line on 9th September and earn every penny that I raise!

Thank you

Stephen