I am running a virtual route along the Camino de Santiago to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK (PCUK) in memory of my Dad, Tom Callard.

The man: Tom Callard was an amazing, loving, funny and cheeky bloke who was loved by everyone whose life he touched. He was an immensely proud Yorkshireman who would do anything for anyone. Dad's main loves were his family, supporting Leeds Rhinos & Leeds United and Scotland. He liked to sing but always forgot the lyrics. It was a shock to us all when Dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on 16th January 2020. On that fateful day we weren't prepared for what was to come. Dad was cared for by wonderful nursing staff over the next 3 weeks but sadly, on 5th February, he passed away surrounded his loving family. As I write this we are 6 months on from Dad's passing and my family are still in shock from his diagnosis, never mind getting our heads around that he is no longer in our lives. He leaves a hole in our hearts that will not heal and will be forever missed.

The challenge: In June 2020 I started running a virtual 480 miles (772 km) route along the pilgrim's ways from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in south west France to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in western Spain. I will complete the challenge on 2nd October 2020 (Dad's 68th birthday) which means that I have to run on average 4 miles (6.5 km) each day for 17 weeks. 

The cancer: Pancreatic cancer is the toughest cancer to diagnose, treat and survive. 1 in 4 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer do not survive the disease beyond a month and 3 in 4 do not survive beyond a year. For most people there are no symptoms, and for those like Dad it is just too late.

The charity: PCUK funds research, provides support to patients & their families and campaigns to improve the future. By working together, our actions can transform the future for people affected by pancreatic cancer. Let's help raise money to research, provide support and campaign to take on this tough cancer together.

There is hope.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Chris