My family has a history with cancer. So you may understand why it wasn't a surprise to me when I was diagnosed with cancer last year, shocked by how young I was when it came, but not surprised, I was just 43. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. 1 in 8 men will be affected by it in their lifetime. It also has close links to breast cancer, so I could easily draw the link to my mum who died of breast cancer in 2009. When I was diagnosed in 2022 I'd had no symptoms whatsoever and only had the test after Scott, my brother, had also been diagnosed with it less than a year before me, he was 47. After several consultations, different avenues explored, tests and scans it was deemed the only way forward was for me to have it removed. My surgery for removing it was in April 2023 and by all accounts was successful in doing what it had set out to achieve. But, the after effects have hit me harder than anything I could have imagined or prepared for. Physically, emotionally and mentally I am having to relearn and refind how to be me, while at the same time, coming to terms with the fact that the new me will be slightly not as good as the old me. It's a journey and I'm still at the start and I'm getting help where I can.

The day after leaving hospital I was laid up on my settee, with a catheter attached to my leg, feeling incredibly sorry for myself (little did I know it would get worse) I found myself watching the London marathon. At that point I vowed to get back to fitness, train hard and set myself the goal of running in the 2024 London marathon to mark a year on from my surgery. After missing out on the ballot, Guy’s Cancer Charity offered me a chance to run. Guys hospital had stepped in with my treatment and care after I felt uncomfortable with my local NHS services. Guys hospital were there for me and by running the marathon for them I feel like I can give them something back. I will always be thankful to Guy’s Cancer Charity for helping me to fulfill my promise and achieve my goal.

I know times are extremely hard and money is tight for everyone, so I would be extremely grateful for any donations towards my fund raising target, any and all amounts will help. By supporting me, you'll help support the incredible NHS staff and exceptional healthcare provided by Guy's Cancer. Your donations will help make sure everyone gets personalised care which is as unique as they are. Every penny of your donation will help to make a difference:£10 could help run a virtual support group session, enabling patients and carers to share their experiences of cancer from the comfort of their own home. £50 could help provide a comforting care package for someone receiving end of life care, helping to alleviate symptoms and soothe fears.£150 could provide expert welfare and benefits advice for a patient experiencing financial hardship, giving them the freedom to focus on their recovery.£350 can help invest in the latest surgical robotic technology, so expert surgeons can work with greater accuracy and send patients home to their families sooner.

Thank you so much for your support.

Gary