I'm joining Cancer Research UK's Race for Life this year. Please join the fight by digging deep and sponsoring me - it's quick, easy and totally secure.

In September 2015 my friend Karen told me that she had been diagnosed with stomach cancer and by March 2016 she was no longer with us.  She was just 44.  Karen dedicated much of her time fundraising for others and putting others before herself.  She was the fittest person I know who was always in the gym, running marathons and walking her beloved dog, Harvey.  I still cannot believe that she is no longer here.

Another friend of mine, Sarah Mawby, has been battling the same disease since before I met her, twelve years ago.  She remains unbelievably positive, lives each day the best that she can and is proof that fighting is worthwhile, as we watch her overcome obstacle after obstacle.

My Dad also developed lung cancer twenty years ago.  He never really recovered from his operation and struggled on for several more months before he fell asleep for the last time in a hospice.

Events like this are vital in funding Cancer Research UK's life-saving work into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. By sponsoring me, we can unite and create an army that cancer can't ignore. By sponsoring me, we will beat cancer sooner.

Don't forget to add Gift Aid

If you're a UK taxpayer, please remember to tick the Gift Aid box as this will increase your donation by at least 25% at no extra cost to you.

Sponsor me now, and help me show cancer that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink.