On 9th September last year my dad was diagnosed with cancer affecting his pancreas and adjacent area of the liver. "Not the brightest of news", as he wrote to me then. He died of kidney failure on 24th September - just 15 days after the diagnosis.

It's still hard to express my emotions but suffice to say I've found solace in running. I ran the Berlin marathon four days after dad died: I had a place and it's what he would have wanted me to do. Berlin was a special city for him; being there so soon after he died was emotional but a cathartic experience. If I've counted correctly London is my 20th marathon. I can't think of a better way to celebrate this tally than by running it for dad. 

In September I barely had time to learn about the charities relevant to dad's illness but since then I'd done some research. Pancreatic Cancer UK is the only national charity fighting pancreatic cancer on all fronts: with dedicated support and information for patients; by campaigning to raise awareness and by funding truly innovative research. I'm proud to raise money for this important charity, in memory of my dad. I love him and I miss him so much.