Those who know me well appreciate that I am not a long distance runner... and they are correct! Over ten years ago my Father and I slogged our way around the Fleet half-marathon, this should have reminded us to stick to ball sports and avoid running more than 6 miles! However, instead being young and naive we decided to make a pact to complete every gruelling mile of the London Marathon in years to come. In 2009 we completed our initial applications before unfortunately having to withdraw; Dad/Mike/Puddle, as well as all the other questionable names he picked up along the way, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Melanoma cancer. After 3 years of Dad fighting this treacherous disease, he passed away with his family beside him, he is now in what we all believe to be a better place of less pain and less struggle; in his heaven most probably just finished on the 18th hole of golf and having pint of ale in the clubhouse with Grandpa. 

It is rare that I speak up about my Father being gone, I tell stories as if he still lives and speak up about him for everything he is worth. Through my writing here, I do not look for pity or sadness, I hope for support from family, friends, colleagues and whoever else would like to donate to this worthy cause. 

To me this challenge is huge, however my motivation and determination to honour my pact with Dad will carry me through the early morning training sessions, the long runs late into the night and the magnitude of the 'runner's wall' on the day! 

My Father was a man of honour, trust and integrity with morals second to none and although he cannot join me in body next year to complete this challenge, he will be with me in so many more ways to share the pain and support me. For these reasons and many more I am running for Worldwide Cancer Research so other people can be helped, more Father and Son marathons can be run together and hopefully we can help beat cancer in years to come. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this. 

I will keep you updated with sweaty pictures and fundraising events along the way!