I was diagnosed in November 2021 with Advanced Non-Small
Cell Lung Cancer following an incidental finding of a lump in my neck whilst
moving my necklace one evening. After a swift trip to my G.P. I was urgently
referred to Ears, Nose and Throat for a biopsy and a chest X-ray that revealed
I had primary lung cancer. Further investigations revealed that the cancer had
not only spread to my lymph nodes but also to my bones, my spine and pelvis, an
area of my body where I had symptoms but was being treated for sciatica most
likely due to my age. The cancer is due to an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
(EGFR) mutation that led to an excess of cells, cancerous ones.  The diagnosis turned my world upside down,
thinking of all the unthinkables as you would but 100 times worse.

My treatments to date have been radiotherapy to target the cancer
in my bones, regular injections to strengthen my bones but more extraordinary,
is the little tablet that I take every day that inhibits the EGFR mutation that
has led to the cancer. This has shrunk my primary lung cancer drastically and
will give me many years with my family all thanks to the continuous awareness
and extensive research that has been carried out to find treatments for this
awful disease.

The Roy Castle Foundation supports all of those affected by
lung cancer and has funded millions of pounds of essential lung cancer
research, looking for ways to detect the disease as early as possible and save
lives. EGFR Positive UK is a registered charity established by patients and
their families and friends. Their purpose is to improve the overall survival
and quality of life of EGFR positive lung cancer patients across the United
Kingdom.

Therefore on the 26 March 2023 an army of incredible people
will be running the Hastings Half Marathon to raise awareness and money for the
two charities mentioned above. I want to give back to the charities that have
ultimately given me the best chance at life, from pioneering research that will
give me years with my family to support on those darkest days at the beginning
to help me understand my life changing diagnosis.  I am overwhelmed by the support that has been
shown and I hope in turn you can support them by donating, however big or
small.