On Monday 2nd December Wessex Cancer Trust launched a crisis appeal to raise almost £600,000 by 31 January 2020. If they are unable to do this they risk having to close their cancer support services in our local community. This would be a tragic end to almost 40 years of supporting local people through a devastating time in their lives.

I am sure you are wondering how it has got to this? This year they have seen a 30% increase in demand for their services. At the same time, they have been hit by a 60% reduction in people leaving a gift in their will, the decline in the high street which has seen our shop sales fall by 15%, and national funding pressures. Also unfortunately, a large, previously notified pledged donation, has not materialised, and this has tipped them into a crisis situation.

The reason I'm sharing this is that I am running the 2020 London Marathon (no seriously… I am!). My training has already started as I have set myself a goal of running it under 4 hours. I was going to hold off starting my fundraising until after the New Year, however given the Trust’s short term cash flow crisis, I have started my fundraising early to help them hit their appeal target. London Marathon organisers have confirmed if Wessex Cancer Trust don’t hit their target in time, I will still have my place in the marathon and all funds raised will go towards running the services as long as they are able.

I appreciate this news is going to come as a shock, but their fundraising team are working their hardest and they have received great media coverage which I am sure will give them every chance of bridging this short term cash flow crisis. Who knows the money I raise with the help and wonderful support of my family, friends, clients and contacts may just make the difference!

Thank you very much, your support is much appreciated.