After over 10 years of running, having completed 7 half-marathons, I am now finally taking up the challenge of completing the full 26.2 miles of the Brighton Marathon on 6 April 2014. This is something I have kept putting off as the idea of such a distance can be overwhelming since I'm fully aware of just how much time and energy goes into completing just half of that. But now is the time and I'm spurred on and delighted by the fact that I'm going to be running for Cancer Research UK.

This charity is very close to my heart and I know that many of you reading this will know someone, whether family or friends, who have benefited from their vital work. Even those of you not living in the UK will probably have relatives or acquaintances who have somehow benefited from the continuous research of this organisation who plays a key role in the international fight against this disease that effects around 1 in 3 people. 

From a personal perspective, Cancer has touched both my family and those of my friends. I was too young to remember one of my grandads who died of cancer of the liver way before his time and my other grandad is suffering from terminal colon cancer. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer around 12 years ago, but luckily due to an early diagnosis was able to make a full recovery, not without having to go through numerous sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, however.

Anyone of us could receive the news one day that we have some form of this disease which is why we should all support the work of important institutions such as Cancer Research UK.

I understand that people are often approached throughout the year for sponsorship for one thing or another, but I would be grateful from the bottom of my heart if you are able to support me with this marathon.

Thank you for your support! Liam

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