Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On Friday 11^th November at 10am I will sit down and write as many stories as I can in 12 hours. I will write to prompts supplied by my writing friends and supporters. Stories will range from 100-2000 words and will cover many themes, genres, plots, and characters. I might even write one for you!

This year my chosen charity is a local one, based in Hartlepool, but they support people across the UK and are looking to expand to become a nationally known name. Please help me to help them do this.

Miles for Men host male only fun-runs and Walks for Women, to raise funds for individuals and their families affected by cancer, and cancer charities across the UK. The longer term aim is for Miles for Men to become a well-known brand and it is intended that every community across the UK will benefit.  

Miles for Men are unique in that the charity offers help and support to men, either as a sufferer, or a supporter of someone with cancer, whether that’s as a partner, parent, friend, colleague. Children and adults, male and female, are all helped, irrespective of age, gender, ability, disability, or location.

Cancer touches many lives and there are many charities working towards cure, awareness, and help for people affected by cancer. Research shows universally that men ignore symptoms for much longer than women and they are reluctant to discuss issues with doctors. By bringing signs and symptoms to the fore, and promoting willingness for discussion around these issues, lives may be saved.

Miles for Men carry out many fundraising projects and initiatives to support individuals and families, practically and financially, to raise awareness of men's cancers, and provide donations to local and
national cancer charities including Hartlepool Hospice, Cancer UK. Events include charity boxing matches both male and female, Ladies Night, musical projects including acoustic night, Miles for Men the Musical (2017) and a music festival is planned.

Volunteers working for the charity are involved with individuals and families to support them through emotional and financial difficulties. They assist with transport to and from hospital, with accommodation costs where necessary, as many of the specialist hospitals are based far and wide, and this is difficult for families. They arrange activities and holidays for affected individuals and families, assistance with living
expenses during times of hardship as a direct result of inability to work due to suffering from, or caring for someone with, cancer. Also, when necessary, funeral costs.

The charity receives many requests asking for advice,
knowledge, support emotionally and financially, and for someone to reach out to. They hope to develop a robust awareness programme about male cancers, which will promote men’s health - earlier checks, screening and action - which will improve life chances by earlier detection and treatments and also a bereavement programme specifically for children to help them to deal with traumatic loss of
a loved one.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.