Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

I'm running the Edinburgh marathon this May for my sins, raising funds for the Beating Bowel Cancer charity. Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK. Only lung cancer kills more people. 35,500 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year, and around half of these will die. But the good news is - it is one of the most curable cancers if caught early enough.

I won't lie, I've not been hit by the running bug, and haven't decided to tick off one of those 'must do' life achievements such as running a marathon. More importantly, to me at least, I've got a personal stake in this. My father had the diagnosis no one wants to hear late last year. Cancer. In this case bowel cancer. Following an op, and a less than ideal hospital recovery through January, fingers crossed everything is on the up from now on. Rolling through life is so easy, it's only when someone close is struck down you learn and appreciate the risks, effects and tremendous effort put in by people in research through to recovery to deal with cancer and it's effects.

It shouldn't take a knock to the head to spur us to action, but it often does. In my case I'm now strongly motivated to raise awareness and prevention of a cancer that has affected one of those most intimate to me. So with a justification close to my heart it's now time to put in the training and run all 26miles + of this marathon!

I hope you can help me out (pity the fool), and sponsor me for this very worthy cause! 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Beating Bowel Cancer gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!