Hello!

This year I have decided to take part in Race for Life for the 2nd time for many reasons.

I want to raise money for a charity which is close to my heart, without which we probably wouldn't see the cancer survival rates that we do today.

I want to raise money in memory of those who have been lost to cancer. This includes my late cousin Ruth, who defied all the odds and fought the bravest 4 year battle with Sarcoma before passing away in September last year at the age of just 32.

I want to raise money to celebrate survival. More people are surviving cancer than ever before, thanks to medical advances in diagnostics and treatment. Without these advances, some of my loved ones would not be here today, and for that I am hugely grateful. 

I want to raise money to support anyone experiencing cancer right now. For cancer patients themselves along with their family and friends, the word "cancer" can be terrifying and so support is crucial.

I want to raise money because through my current degree, BSc (Hons) Immunology, I have learned more about how cancer arises, how it affects the body and how it can be treated. This has given me a passion to continue my learning in this area and a want to try to make a difference. On graduating next year, I hope to go on to a postgraduate programme in Radiotherapy & Oncology, where I will experience at first hand the effects of cancer, and work to try to save lives of cancer patients.

The day after Race For Life this year, Monday 25th June, I will begin a week-long placement at the cancer unit at the Western Infirmary in Edinburgh, to give me further insight to the reality of cancer. I would love to walk into the department on Monday morning knowing that because I ran 5k the day before, I raised money to help improve the lives of the patients I will encounter through the week.

Many of you will know that over the past year I've become a bit of a fitness fanatic, so I plan to run the whole 5k, hopefully in 32 minutes or less!

Please donate whatever you can, big or small. Your support is truly appreciated! If you're a UK taxpayer PLEASE tick the giftaid box - it increases your donation at no cost to you!

Caitlin :)