Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My younger brother Dan was diagnosed with Oropharyngeal Cancer in October 2022. It's a kind of throat cancer that no-one I know, including myself, had even heard of. It's time to change that. It's actually sadly on the rise and since Dan's diagnosis, we have heard of a number of other men of similar age, who have battled it too. 

Oropharyngeal cancer is the name given to cancers which affect the part of the throat called the Oropharynx. This part of the body includes the tonsils, the base of the tongue, the soft palate (the roof of the mouth)  and the pharynx which is the top of the throat.

I'm hoping that by running this half marathon, I can play a very small part in raising awareness of this type of cancer and also the importance of getting teenage boys as well as girls, vaccinated against the HPV virus, which research has shown is linked to this type of cancer. 

Dan is an absolute trouper and has been through a gruelling radiotherapy and chemotherapy regime over the last couple of months. He hasn't complained once and is determined to be back to his best self as soon as possible and enjoy life with his young family. 

We are very lucky as the overall prognosis is really good, but hoping raising awareness will mean more people are aware of symptoms and get checked out. 

I'm so bloody proud of you Dan - this one is for you, bro. You are an absolute legend and we all love you so much. 

Would be very grateful for any donations, however small!

Big love and thanks, 

Julia xx

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