Although this part is titled 'your story,' this isn't really about myself.

The story is of one man and an oncology unit. Two years ago my dad discovered he had cancer, a huge shock to a fit and healthy 60 year old who had finally got rid of his three children and was enjoying some well derserved peace and quiet.

The transition from a healthy man to a 'patient' was a challenge, but the way he handled the situation was nothing less than inspiring.

Part of the treatment was an intensive course of chemotherapy, which he received at the Oncology day unit in the Woolverstone wing of Ipswich hospital.

Every time I saw or spoke to my dad after treatment he only ever had positive things to say about the service he received. The dedication, professionalism and warmth of the staff meant so much to him. 

He would often mention that the surroundings of the unit itself were unfortunately quite uninspiring. Being situated in one of the oldest parts of the hospital, the unit is most definately in need of a refurbishment in order to give patients somewhere more comfortable to receive treatment, especially as they could end up spending many hours and days there.

Two years after diagnosis, dad has come through surgery and chemotherapy and back to living life on his terms.

So I thought, how can I show my appreciation for this great unit and the care that they gave my dad. Well, I could always try and raise some money for them, and as I'm not really a 'sitting in a bath of beans' sort of guy, why not try and challenge myself and make it really hard for people to think to themselves that 'he hasn't really worked hard for my money.'

So I've picked the Beachy Head Marathon, one of the most challenging off-road marathons in the country and will have an accumulated climb of about 3500ft (about the same as Mount Snowdon).

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.