Well.....as most of you know last year I was inspired to run my first marathon in support of my amazing friend and mentor Darrell who had been bravely battling what he referred to as RIC (his rare incurable cancer) - synovial soft tissue sarcoma.

Last month on 25th January, Darrell sadly passed away after the toughest and bravest of fights leaving everyone that knows him with an unfillable void in their lives. He leaves behind his beautiful young family - wife Amy and children Maya and Theo.

His infectious smile and unwavering positivity left a mark on anyone that knew him. He worked tirelessly in raising awareness and funds for Sarcoma UK - even when he was battling so bravely himself he wrote and published a book "Straight Red" a story about having a positive mindset against all odds, with all proceeds going to Sarcoma UK. He was the most selfless, kind and thoughtful man with an incredible sense of purpose - and that purpose was filling people with positivity, self belief and love.

I am so privileged to have had Darrell in my life and he has inherently made me a better version of myself.

So why now….2 months before the London Marathon?

I was able to spend some precious time with Darrell before he passed. I let him know that I was still on the reserve list for this years London Marathon......"keep on training bro...you never know" he said.

6 days after he passed I got the email saying "You're In!"

Call it co-incidence, call it fate but I like to think it was a little wink and nod from Darrell :)

I know times are tough for people and I know people gave so generously last year already. All of this crossed my mind before saying yes…..it’s 8 weeks away….what if I can’t raise enough money, what if I pick up a niggle, should I just wait until next year?

But a voice note Darrell sent me before last years marathon kept playing on repeat in my head:

"We get stronger by these challenges and tough things that we do.....and especially when we're doing it for a good cause....like.... I mean it's not really about me this...... this money is going to help lots of other people right.....and that's just brilliant"

So if I raise £10 or £1000….……then it will be £10 or £1000 more that is going to Sarcoma UK to fund vital research to and enable earlier detection and ways to treat this most complex of cancers.

If one person reads this or 100 people read this…..it will be one or 100 people more than before that know that little bit more about Sarcoma and can help spread awareness.

For me it will mean I’ve helped carry on the baton that my incredible friend so courageously carried with hope, positivity and a big smile on his face…..

And that will make every grimacing mile worth it.

Sorry for the long post. Thank you for reading this - really appreciate your support ❤️

……back to the tarmac 🏃🏻🏃🏻🏃🏻

Blane

Sarcoma UK is the national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the bone and soft tissue. It is difficult to diagnose and one of the hardest to treat. By supporting me, we can help change this. Your donation will help researchers find answers, keep the specialist Support Line open, and raise awareness to improve treatment and standards of care. Your donations go so far in helping the sarcoma community:£1 Could cover the cost of 10 texts to the support line.£10Could be used to buy microscope slides to look at cells in minute detail. £30Could fund one hour of use of a high-powered laboratory microscope. £150 Could fund the support line for a week.Thank you for your support.