Raised: 125%
Target: £25,000.00
Raised so far: £31,303.00
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My story

 

 Dear Potential Sponsor, 

   As some of you will know, in early March last year I was unfortunately diagnosed with adrenal cortical carcinoma (an extremely rare cancer that affects one to two people in a million).  Later that same month, I underwent a 9 hour operation to remove a 6lb (3kg) tumour along with my left adrenal gland! 

  I then began my slow return to fitness to prepare for the start of oral chemotherapy (and replacement steroid therapy). In fact, on the day of the London Marathon last year, I could only walk about 500 yards! It was that day I made a commitment to myself to run for research in the 2006 London Marathon representing Cancer Research UK.

 Just before beginning my chemotherapy another CT scan revealed a huge "body blow".  The cancer had spread to my lungs (several small spots). This was very, very tough to take, especially as I was feeling that my recovery was going so well! (Lung spots indicate metastases and a 5 year survival rate of only 20%).

 However, this made me even more determined to beat the odds and rise to the challenge of a marathon! After 6 weeks at home, I began chemotherapy and returned to work 1 week later albeit in small stages. Soon afterwards I began to run again (very slowly!).   Despite the nasty side effects (mainly tiredness, nausea and some diarrhoea) my strength returned and the dose was gradually increased to a level where thankfully it appears to be having a positive response.

 In September 2005, my follow up scan (which I dreaded) revealed great news – no lung spots and there was a reduction in the lymphatic vessel involvement – fantastic to hear! However, I was “not out of the woods yet” by any means.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I was also gradually increasing my running and managed to complete a half marathon in early November. Soon afterwards my wife and I were blessed with the arrival of our new baby boy (what an emotional rollercoaster!) This gives us our dream of three boys.

 Despite some sickness over Christmas and the New Year, I continued my chemotherapy and was rewarded with another positive scan in mid January. The training and treatment is continuing to go well and even though I still have a very long way to go, I am determined to beat this cancer and see my boys grow up to be men.

 I wrote this for you all to understand why this marathon is so important to me. In respect of my illness it’s a magnificent personal goal but it’s also my chance to give something back – this can’t be done without your help. My fundraising target is £25,000 (nearly $40,000) and I am asking you to join my wife and I (we will be donating £250 (~$350) in donating as much as you can to help more people in the fight against cancer.

 Donating through this site is easy for you all (I’m doing the hard work!!). It’s fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many, many thanks for your support.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you made it Nick. Amazing courage. Keep on running! Donation by Nicky Bassett 03/06/06  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Donation by anonymous 31/05/06  

£516.00 + £145.54 Gift Aid

Love to you and your family. Donation by Simon and Michelle Fuller 27/05/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by Mary Greggains 24/05/06  

£25.00

Nick and Jo, my support is with you. Lots of love, Gaby (Georgie's sister, the middle one!!) Donation by Gaby Payne 16/05/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

How cool, fantastic result Nick, well done xx Donation by Gail Herbert 15/05/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Hi Nick. I think you are an absolute star x Sending lots of love to you and Jo (and your boys!) Donation by Robyn Wright (Walker) 02/05/06  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Nick, your strength amazes me...hope the run went well. Donation by em douglas 02/05/06  

£500.00 + £141.03 Gift Aid

Keep fighting Nick, we all proud of you. Donation by Joe Henein 02/05/06  

£200.00

You are an inspiration Nick! All the luck in the world! Love Terry & Sue Donation by Terry & Sue Cockell 27/04/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Well done! Donation by Lizzie (Mala's mum) 26/04/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

What next? Amazing....you're an inspiration. Donation by the langdons 26/04/06  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Nick, Therese and I are rooting for you. All the best. Donation by Luc Jacobs 26/04/06  

£30.00

Fantastic effort Nick. You are an inspiration to all. Well done !!!! Donation by Don Emmerson 26/04/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by James Campion 26/04/06  

£160.00 + £45.13 Gift Aid

Well Done! A great achievement. Donation by Anna and Paul Medley 25/04/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Well done Nick, you are an inspiration to so many people, my thoughts are with you Donation by Anonymous 25/04/06  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Best of luck, Nick! Your are an inspiration for all at Wyeth Donation by Bernard Poussot 25/04/06  

£200.00

Nick, Grant here mate. Heard about you running the London Marathon, good on you! Best wishes Donation by Grant Chappell 25/04/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

hope all is well with you the leepers Donation by graham 25/04/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

If only I'd asked you to beat Steve Redgrave! Donation by Anonymous 24/04/06  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Wishing you every success Nick - you're brilliant! Donation by Lucy Stirland 24/04/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck mate. Donation by Chris Leach 24/04/06  

£26.00

Wishing you lots of luck, everyone is proud of you! Donation by Sean and Bev 23/04/06  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

I admire your determination. Donation by anonymous 23/04/06  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

We've seen you out running and admire your determination. Donation by Kevin & Chris 23/04/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Well in Nick!!! I couldn't get to the end if the garden. Donation by Nicky Thickpenny (nee Brown) 23/04/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck& all good wishes, Richard & Mary Donation by Richard & Mary Evans 22/04/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Go Greased Lightning. Good Luck Nick, Much Love XXX Donation by Diane and Ian Andrews 22/04/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

what an amazing guy you are Nick, how proud your family must be ...well done , you WILL DO IT Donation by Helen MacDonald 22/04/06  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £20,742.00
  Offline donations: £10,561.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £3,537.49

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