On July 25th this year, I will be taking part in Tough Guy 2004. On that day I will be subjecting myself to an 8+ mile cross country run across rough terrain followed by an extreme 3 mile obstacle course. The obstacles themselves are made up of such challenges as crawling under barbed wire, diving through underwater tunnels, navigating a zig zag corridor of electric fences, climbing over walls and running, walking or crawling through hundreds of stinging nettles!

Why on earth would I voluntarily put myself through all this agony and pain?

Because I have a choice. Because this is just one day of suffering. Because it will be, at most, three hours of testing my endurance, both mentally and physically.

But if I had cancer then not only would I not have a choice but what I would experience would not be for just one day.

That's why I hope that by taking part in this event I can raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief, a charity that works to improve the quality of life for people living with cancer. Currently there are over a million people are living with cancer in the UK and one of them is a close family member of mine. When we found out earlier this year that he had cancer, I felt totally helpless but I hope that by taking part in this event I can do my bit to help both him and others who live with this disease.

So please dig deep and sponsor me and give me a chance to prove how tough I am. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Macmillan Cancer Relief will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. To follow my progress, read my training diary at http://www.dragonsmind.co.uk/toughguy.php For more information on Macmillan Cancer Relief, visit their website at http://www.macmillan.org.uk For more information on Tough Guy, visit their website at http://www.toughguy.co.uk Please sponsor me now! Many thanks for your support. Tom (aka Dragon)