My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and stage 2 oesophageal cancer last year. He has just turned 58, has a cracking sense of humour and is a loving dad to me and my three siblings.

Since we got the diagnosis late last year, he has been through chemo and a major operation, still with an unclear path forward. He's still cracking jokes and somehow finding the lighter side of something that has no lighter side. I don't know how he does it.

On Saturday 18th July I'm running a half marathon for him, my first ever. For some running comes effortlessly, for me it unfortunately doesn't. I've never come close to that distance before and I won't pretend I'm not nervous. But he doesn't get to opt out of the hard thing, so I'm not opting out of mine.

My dad runs a B&B in Devon with my step-mum, Jackie. Since his diagnosis he hasn't been able to work. Jackie runs the B&B on her own and is also his primary carer. Everything raised goes directly to him and Jackie. His dream is to buy a motorbike and ride to France with his best mate Phil. I'm not sure if it'll be possible, but having something to dream about on the other side of treatment matters and I want him to get there.

If you can donate, or share this page, it's hugely appreciated. 🤍