In January of this year, my friend and colleague Johnny (above, with his wife Maria and son Munro) received the devastating and completely unexpected news that he had been diagnosed with terminal stage 4 lung cancer. It is impossible to try and comprehend the impact of those words on him and his family and the subsequent months that have passed between then and now have been unimaginably hard for them all ... for those of us privileged enough to know and work with Johnny, his diagnosis is numbing.

Somehow amongst the shock and pain of this news, along with the ongoing treatment that he is of course having to endure, Johnny has found a strength and fortitude that has seen him gather himself, return to work, bring forward his wedding to Maria and have the kind of conversations about their future that none of us should expect to have to have. He has managed to find a way to look forward, to survive, to be forthright and make memories with the time that they have left together.

Talking to Johnny day to day is like it always was before his diagnosis ... a blend of serious (when work related), banter (where everything is related!) and a sense of humour that belies his situation, borne out of a military background which helps to find light even in the darkest of times.

Through it all, Johnny and his family would without a doubt not have achieved any of the above were it not for the dedicated, specialist, professional and personal care, support and attention he has received from Macmillan Cancer Support. From social and emotional advice and guidance, through to financial help – the Macmillan team that are continuing to support him have been nothing short of amazing and provided a much needed arm for them all to lean on.

So on Sunday 11^th Sept this year, I will be taking to the streets of Newcastle with 65,000 other runners for what will be my 4^th consecutive Great North Run, the worlds most famous half marathon. I immediately thought of Johnny when considering fundraising and in a true demonstration of selflessness, he did not think about himself when I asked him what I could do and instead said Macmillan. So I am very happy to be running this year in support of Macmillan Cancer Support and our good friend Johnny.

We would be extraordinarily grateful for whatever donations you would like to offer .. no matter how big or small, you will be making a difference to this committed, dedicated team of people and helping them continue this vital work they do for Johnny and those many others who will turn to them for help in the future.

Thankyou !