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.
