Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I'm running the Sheffield 10k not only to support the fantastic Macmillan team, but also to prove to myself that after my own little battle with cancer I'm now back and stronger than ever!

Towards the end of 2017 I noticed a lump in one of my testicles - typically I was too tied up in work to get it checked out initially. However, I eventually went to the doctors for a check up. Within a week I had an operation to remove the tumour and the biopsy results showed I had cancer. It's pretty devastating news to hear. A decision was made that I'd need to go through chemotherapy to ensure that any remaining cancer cells were defeated.

I've got to admit it was a tough time - but with the support of my family, close friends and Macmillan I just got my head down and ploughed through it. I'm now 6 months post chemo and have no signs of cancer!

It's a weird thing to say but for me getting cancer has had a positive impact on my life. It's given me the opportunity to think about what's truly important and how I want to live the rest of my life. It has also given me the chance to learn how strong I am. TS Eliot said "if you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?" 

Amongst quite a few positive changes I've started running regularly for the first time in my life and this 10k will be the first official run I've ever competed in. For anyone that knows me this is a big deal - I honestly thought you would be more likely to see an elephant fly than me doing a long distance run! 

So hopefully I can do this 10k and prove to myself that I'm better than ever and also raise some money for Macmillan. I now know first hand that they work extremely hard to improve the lives of everyone who is affected by cancer.

Thanks,

Sam

PS - September 23rd (The day of the 10k) is also my 38th birthday - so rather than get me that big present you were thinking of,  please contribute on here! 

Macmillan Cancer Support are here to help you find your best way through from the moment of diagnosis, so you’re able to live life as fully as you can.

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