Jay and I were very close friends and his passing has left a big hole in both mine and many other people's lives. We had many great times together- too many to remember in fact. I think what was most upsetting was how old he was when he died- he had so much more to give to the world. 

I felt quite powerless to help Jay when he was in hospital. There was nothing I could do apart from inquire as to how he was and offer my support. When people are in situtations like this we put all our trust in the doctors, nurses and biomedical scientists who are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment plans and keeping the patient comfortable.

The appropriate course of action for patients suffering from cancer is something that is based on painstaking and arduous research. Some of the greatest minds in the country work tirelessly to try to understand the causes of cancer and formulate drugs that aim to treat it. 

The treatments that were offered to Jay were developed by such research. Cancer Research UK is the world's leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research.Their research is entirely funded by the public and has lead to dramatic improvements in survival rates of cancer patients. 

Being diagnosed with cancer could happen to any of us or anyone that we're close to. No one expects someone they love to die from cancer and there is no way to prepare for it. 

Becky and I have chosen to cycle from London to Paris for Cancer Research UK, I think raising money for this charity is a great way to honour Jay's memory as he chose this charity.  It is not going to be easy but we are excited by the challenge especially when it's for such a noble cause. Unfortunately Jay lost his long battle with cancer, but by raising money for Cancer Research UK we hope that the lives of more people, like Jay, will be saved.

Please donate generously!