On 1st November, Roger (62) and sons Rory (29) & Tom (26), ran the New York Marathon for Bowel Cancer UK, finishing in 4:17 (Roger) and 3:52 (Rory & Tom). Bowel Cancer UK is a cause close our hearts: Rory & Tom’s Uncle Dane – Roger’s big brother – died of bowel cancer in 2008. And Bruce Brooke-Smith, Roger’s co-founding business partner in Rosemullion Homes and long-standing family friend, also succumbed to bowel cancer in 2009. So every yard of this 26.2 miles was in memory of Dane & Bruce, as well as those who do, or could, suffer a similar fate.

More than 36,500 men and women are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK every year, making it the third most common cancer; that's someone every 15 minutes. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK and more than 16,000 people die each year; that's someone every 30 minutes. If diagnosed at the earliest stage, bowel cancer is highly treatable, with an estimated 83% survival rate. Bowel Cancer UK does important work: it encourages people to recognise the symptoms of the disease and to act on their concerns so that they have the best chance of survival, as well as providing information, support and literature to anyone affected by bowel cancer or with bowel health concerns. It also provides information on campaigning for treatments. Once you donate, JustGiving will send your money directly to Bowel Cancer UK and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.

So please dig deep and donate now for Dane, for Bruce and for the 36,500 men and women who are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year. Thank you in advance for your support.