On 13 April 2014 I will be running the London Marathon to raise funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation ("ACRF"). I really hope that you can support me as I run the 42.195km (26.2 miles).

Why the Australian Cancer Research Foundation?

It horrified me to learn recently that Australia has the 3rd highest global incidence rate of cancer - just over 1 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer. The UK statistic is slightly better but it is marginal. The ACRF is a charity foundation dedicated and committed to finding the cures for cancer by funding world-class research in Australia. The ACRF focuses on effective treatments and diagnostic measures as well as prevention and/or cures for all types of cancer. ACRF, with guidance from its esteemed Medical Research Advisory Committee (which includes Professor Ian Frazer, who is the co-creator of the cervical cancer vaccine), assesses applications for funding on its potential to make ground-breaking progress in the fight against cancer.

Why the London Marathon?
I ran my first marathon in 2007 and London will be my 14th - they still provide a huge challenge for me and remain incredibly rewarding and fulfilling and I think it's about time that I put all this effort and positive energy towards a good cause. The London Marathon is pre-eminent in its commitment to raising funds for charity - so far the event has raised GBP600m for charity since 1981, raising GBP53m in 2013 alone. I've run a few international marathons but I think there is something quite exciting and special about running London - the marathon that I used to watch live on the BBC as a child, thinking one day I will do that.

Why Sponsor me?
I know directly how cancer can affect a life. At the age of 11 I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone tumour). Following highly aggressive chemotherapy treatment the only option available for me was amputation. However, I count myself as one of the lucky ones, having been completely healthy since then. Of course, there are many very worthy cancer charities which focus on different aspects of the disease but for me the motivations and objectives of ACRF resonate most closely. It's about finding the solutions for the long term to improve that terrifying statistic of 1 in 3. I'd like to think that with the help of organisations like ACRF, which has the vision of an environment where cancer research scientists are fully enabled and equipped, that the incidence rates and effectiveness of treatments will improve and I will have 'taken the hit' for more than just two of you (or your loved ones) who read this.

I really hope you can support me in both raising vital funds for the ACRF as well as motivating me on to achieving a new PB (sub 3.48) at London.

All donations receive a tax receipt and you can find more out about the charity at www.acrf.com.au.

Also my employer; CIMB Investment Bank, has been incredibly kind and will match every $ of donation that you make up to $5,000 so please be generous.