This isn't a fundraiser for me to run a marathon, this is a fund raiser to support people everywhere that battle Cancer.

Recently, a very close friend and his family were dealt the most devastating news at the end of 2022 and have since gone on to lose the most incredible, kind, caring and loving family man to cancer. Life is cruel. It's difficult to articulate the impact Howard Jackson had on so many people's lives. From mine and my friends' point of view, from childhood into adulthood, he had a big impact. It is for him, his family and other families going through similar trauma that this fundraiser exists. It's a donation to the Barnsley Hospice, a charity and organisation that took incredible care of Howard and all others that steps foot in the door at their time of need.

Running a marathon is a challenge, but not one that can be compared to the challenge of facing Cancer and losing a loved one. I hope the marathon can be used as an excuse to raise as much money as possible in the battle against cancer and in the name of Howard.

I like running and I want to run the marathon but it means so much more in Howard's name. Another friend who is 'fatter', (his words, not mine) and a lot more unhealthy (again, his words, not mine) who doesn't like running either, is going to run as far as he can in the time it takes me to complete the whole marathon. It will mean something for him to be running (and wheezing) in memory of Howard!

So, do as Howard would do, give generously and open a Grolsch!