I'm Martyn Wells and I'm a stage IV cancer patient and in March 2017 I was diagnosed with the skin cancer, melanoma. After 7 operations including the full removal of my stomach as the disease became metastatic and spread around my body, I finally became tumour free in March 2018, when my team treated me with immunotherapy. 5 months later in September 2018 I walked the River Severn from source to sea (228 miles in 10 days) and raised £46,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

In February 2019 I had an adverse reaction to immunotherapy that resulted in me contracting severe pneumonia that became sepsis. I spent 16 nights on a life support machine in ICU and a further 2 weeks horizontal in bed on oxygen recovering and in March 2019 I finally managed to get out of end and learn to walk again, taking just 10 steps. I'd now lost 7 stone as a result of my total gastrectomy and was weakened to my very core.

Once again, 5-months later I took to the Cape Wrath Trail, reputed to be Britain's hardest walk, and took an expedition team on a journey that involved life-threatening flash floods, scary cliff face ascents and waist deep peat bogs. We spent 10-days in the Scottish wilderness, racking up untold miles and feet of vertical ascent as we weaved a course from Fort William to Cape Wrath, carrying 17 kg packs and wild camping along the way. You can see more at www.facebook.com/capewrathtrail2019

Throughout my cancer experience, my family and I have been lucky enough to have the service and support of Macmillan professionals along the way, who have been instrumental in my recovery from this dreadful disease. I want to continue to say thank and spread awareness of their great work by raising funds to support them.

Macmillan Cancer Support are there to help you find your best way through from the moment of diagnosis, so you’re able to live life as fully as you can. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. 

Thank you for reading and remember, Melanoma is #notjustskincancer.