Cancer being Cancer you probably have your own story – nearly all
of us have been impacted by this terrible disease in one way or another and that’s why I am raising money for Cancer Research UK. 

Their vision is to ‘bring forward the day when all cancers are cured’ which is something I believe in passionately and here is why..

In July last year my Dad lost his 6 year fight with prostate
cancer which was an incredibly sad time for me and my family… still is truth to be told..

For those that did not know my Dad, he was a quiet, gentle man but also strong, stubborn and stoic to the end. 

His quick wit made him really popular, his laughter being infectious and the sound so familiar during my childhood. I'm not sure I ever heard him raise his voice or shout in anger.. My mum made up for that mind (just kidding mum :) ) but he had his way of letting me know if I had let myself down and that left me feeling mortified..

When I was 16 I came home with my first tattoo, my Mum went absolutely mad then later admitted she 'quite liked it' whilst my Dad just gave me this look.. a look I will never forget.. I think it was about 3 months before I let him see it, so concerned was I with his reaction!

More than any of that though he was incredibly generous. He
would give anyone anything, from his last fiver, a lift home or a friendly
chat, I may be biased but I can’t imagine anyone having a bad word to say of him. 

As his son, what really set his generosity apart though was not about
money, a big house, fast cars, or gifts or any of that ‘replaceable stuff’ that in this day and age we all too often prioritise..

He would give you his time, his undivided attention and a reassuring smile all of which are the rarest and most irreplaceable things of all and what i miss the most...

So why the Reading Half marathon? 

I have a really vivid memory as a child of my Dad running the Courage’s half marathon in Reading. We went along to watch and it seemed to go on forever and ever which in reality it probably did.. 

knees heavily bandaged and injuries picked up along the way my
dad and his mate trudged in right at the back of the pack clearly in agony but not willing to give up and determined to finish which he did.

My Dad taught me many things in life and I have many things
I can only aspire to be like him. Finishing this bloody Reading Half Marathon feels like one way I can (hopefully) follow in his footsteps whilst trying to do some good.

If you can afford to donate I would be eternally grateful and if you cannot then an encouraging word of support is more than gratefully
received..

Big love

Nick

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