My journey began in May 2010 when my partner, Margaret, died of secondary breast cancer. This devastating event was soon followed by my daughter, Tansy, who was early diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2011. Thankfully, she is now in remission and has been cancer free for 14 years.

We were so deeply affected by the amazing treatment at The Christie, we knew it was time to reciprocate and fundraising commenced. Experience tells me that once treatment is underway, living with cancer is easier to manage if goals are set and daily life is lived to the fullest.

Fundraising for The Christie has been constant during the many challenges endured. Multiple half-marathons with frequent 10k events prior to taking on the Manchester Marathon 3 years ago, at age 74.

It seems as though only yesterday we visited The Christie stand having completed the A J Bell Greater Manchester Run in May 2024 (it’s the biggest and best running event in the North West). It was then that Tansy enthusiastically enquired about charity places for the April 2025 London Marathon and we were invited to apply. Initially, we were unsuccessful, then quite unexpectedly, The Christie recently telephoned offering me a place - not long then to step up the training!

The marathon is a means of recognising the exceptional treatment provided for my family over the years. I am therefore looking to raise vital funds for cancer research at The Christie by running in the iconic London Marathon. The Equilibrium Foundation will be matching all the money raised, meaning your donation will have double the impact!

Thank you once again for your support!