When I signed up for the Shine Night Walk (23 Sept) in April I was walking to give thanks to Cancer Research and the Anthony Nolan Trust for the help and support they were giving to my brother-in-law, Colin Brudenell. He contracted myelofibrosis several years ago but then also developed leukaemia last fall. In January Colin had a bone marrow transplant and seemed to be doing well. He got past his 100 day point but, unfortunately, his health deteriorated after that. Despite the wonderful effort by Kings Hospital by July the leukaemia had returned with a vengeance. Colin was sent home to enjoy what time he had left. Little did we know then that he only had a week to live. He died on 27 July.

I am now walking in his memory as well. I was hoping he would see me cross the finish line but now I will carry him across in my heart.

I have had a collecting box on the bar at Stonelees Golf Centre since April and, thanks to the generosity of customers, members and staff, I have reached the minimum donation target of £260. I pledged that any monies raised above that would be divided between Leukaemia Research and the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Thank you very much for anything you are able to donate in these few days before the walk.