In September 2024 Dad was sadly diagnosed with terminal stage four lung cancer. This came as a huge shock to the family as Dad has always lived a healthy lifestyle and is one of the fittest people I know.

I must admit when he first got the diagnosis I did what everyone does and I played ‘Dr Google’ and to be honest Google is a load of rubbish, as statistically according to Google, Dad should no longer be with us, but 16 months down the line he is still going strong!

Right from the very start Dad made it clear he wasn’t dying of cancer, he was living with cancer, and that’s exactly what he has done.

For those of you who don’t know my Dad, Dad is a good old Suffolk boy who lives for his family and I honestly think it’s the love and support that he is receiving from friends & family that’s keeping him going.

Last year when Dad held his first fundraising event for Ipswich Hospital he was blown away by the generosity of everyone and each donation he received made him feel 10ft tall, so we would be extremely grateful for any support.

I’ve run the London Marathon a few times now so I know just how hard the training is going to be, but since the birth of our second daughter, Isobel, I’ve really embraced my ‘Dad Bod’ lifestyle so have a few extra lbs to shift before I reach the start line. I also don’t think I’m mentally prepared for how emotional it will be, as every time I go for a training run I have a little cry so god knows what I’ll be like when I cross the finish line and see my Dad!

All money raised will go to the Woolverstone Cancer Unit at Ipswich Hospital who have been a great support to Dad.

Thank you for all your support

George, Dad (Ian) & Family x x

The Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity raises money to improve facilities, fund new equipment, provide additional services, support staff development and initiate local medical research and innovative projects at The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

We always ensure that your kind gifts and donations benefit the area of the hospital or community service that you choose.

Every donation is greatly appreciated and makes a real and positive difference to the experience of being in hospital.