Thanks for taking the time to visit my Justgiving page. On October 22nd I will be running Abingdon marathon dressed as Robin in support of three real superheroes battling cancer – Dexter, Jay and Thomas. I’ve ditched Batman and am going solo, here’s why…

Dexter

Dexter has just turned 8 and is the son of my friends Andy and Lucy. He loves superheroes, magic and is a former One Direction fan. He is also fighting Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that mostly affects babies and young children. Dexter has had multiple surgeries and rounds of chemo at Bristol Children’s Hospital. He is now waiting to go to London for MIBG, a specialist radiotherapy treatment that will require him to be a lead-lined room - alone – for three days.

Andy and Lucy want to donate their share of the money to the Play Department at Bristol Children’s Hospital who have supported them since Dexter’s diagnosis last year.

The Play Department provides a wide range of daily activities and support for children in hospital and their siblings. Their qualified and dedicated staff help retain some sense of normal by encouraging children to play with familiar toys and join in with activities. As well as a central purpose-built facility, there are playrooms on all wards and the team visit children in outpatient areas and those in isolation. They also help children prepare for some of the hospital procedures they face through the use of bespoke play packages. The difference they make is profound and immeasurable. Dexter’s mum Lucy describes them as “amazing.”

Jay

Jay Pimm is 46. I’ve not actually met him, but learned of his story through Linda Buckman, a kind-hearted gutsy lady who works tireless to fundraise for local causes. Jay was recently given the very sad news that the brain tumour he had removed was Stage 4 Glioblastoma. He has been told he has just 6 to 18 months to live.

Since receiving this devastating news Jay has been unable to work and his wife has become his carer. This has been a huge change for everyone. Jay was always a hardworking husband and father who took pride in being the family provider. The money raised will help fund the costs of an alternative treatment for Jay as he continues his battle.

Thomas

Thomas Cridland is 7 and was diagnosed with Choroid Plexus Carcinoma, a type of brain tumour. It took three surgeries to fully remove. Thomas also needed six rounds of chemotherapy and six weeks of daily radiotherapy.

Like Dexter, Thomas was a patient on Ward 34 at Bristol Children’s Hospital. Thomas has recently been given the ‘all clear’ and after completing his gruelling treatment he got to ring the End of Treatment Bell, a symbol of hope and strength. As a thank you, the family would like to donate their money to Ward 34 to help it support other children in the future.

Three different stories, three different fights. The money I raise will be divided equally.

So, here’s where I ask you to donate, and if you can, please do. No donation is too small. Literally every penny helps and will make more of a difference than you can imagine. Let’s all stand united to fight cancer, to help those in our community and to show what a difference that doing something can make.