Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

My Dad spent his last few weeks including the Christmas period at St. Lukes before he passed away from prostate Cancer very peacefully on 16th January 2009. Research into Cancer is a great cause but until a cure is found places like St Lukes are essential.

St Lukes is not only a hospice but a respite place for those receiving treatment for cancer etc . I cannot speak highly enough of the staff there.  The care they showed my Dad was amazing.  But it doesn't stop with their patients - the care they give to the relatives is also amazing.  My Mum was treated so well and it really helped her in what was a terrible time.  We could not have wished for my Dad to be in a better place (apart from home, but that was not possible) 

I have been lucky enough to be accepted for the Great North Run.  My Dad was born in Sunderland and I felt the GNR was the most apt run to go for.

For those of you who know me, you will know I am no runner - in fact I am generally a stranger to exercise (Currently 16st+).  Ahem - amended to just over 15 stone now :o) (26/06/09)

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: St Luke's (Cheshire) Hospice gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. Also you can use Paypal!

Donations can start at £2.00 as this is the minimum you can donate through Justgiving.com. Obviously, if you would like to donate more, that would be fantastic but in these hard times £2.00 is all I ask.  My kids are doing a sponsored walk soon as well (I am so proud of them) and my Mum is doing the Midnight walk (13.1 miles at 72 years of age - way to go)

I have gone on a bit but thanks for reading this and a bigger thank you if you are able to donate on my Dad's behalf.

I have set my self a target of 2.5 hours to do the Great North Run in and I will soon have an idea of this is achievable as I am now running in the Sunderland 10k on July 12th.

Mark