This isn't a request for sponsorship (although feel free...), it's an update from 2013 when many kind people did sponsor me to run a marathon, the purpose to raise money for Bloodwise (as it is now called). At the time, my Dad had been diagnosed with cancer for the 2nd time - you can read that story below.

Sadly, after a third diagnosis, Dad passed away on 2nd October 2015. During what was a difficult period for our family, I learned the meaning of a few often-used clichés. He had a long battle with cancer, showed utter bravery all the way through and ultimately died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. Throughout each bout of cancer, Dad received some really excellent care from the unfailing NHS. The cutting edge treatment he received exists because of research from the likes of Bloodwise, so the money donated by everyone really doesn't go to waste - but clearly needs to continue. Dad was advised against the final treatment as he was still weak from the previous round and was known it likely wouldn't cure him. It merely prolonged his life, partly so that he could meet his 3rd grandchild, Ellie, born in June.

As for the marathon in 2013, the training took its toll on my knees to the point that I was unable to run come the day. Marathon running was not for me and ever since, I feel I've owed my sponsors something. To mark the anniversary of Dad's passing, I'll be riding my bike from Edinburgh to Dad's local in Chesterfield for a pint. 309 miles, says Google... Now I like riding bikes but I've never ridden further than 90 miles in day, rarely ride more than 40, more often its my 20 miles of commuting when I can. This will mean riding further than I have before in a day for 3 days in a row. 

Did I mention I'll be camping and carrying my own gear?

So, a huge thank you to everyone who donated. It meant a lot to surpass the target by so much. And if you can on October 2nd, take your old man down the pub for a pint.

*** From 2013 ******************************************

Thanks for taking the time to visit my fundraising page. Some of you will know I'm running a marathon but maybe not why...

Earlier this year my Dad was diagnosed for the second time in recent years with Lymphoma - a type of cancer, the details of which I'm still too afraid to google. As you read this he'll be recovering from his final bout of chemotherapy and undergoing some bonkers sounding stem cell treatment - all of which has gone very well thanks to the care he has received (not least from Mum, unfortunately not a charity!).

It's very high-tech and costly stuff, which is why I'm raising money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.  I'm training to run my first marathon as a loose parallel of suffering to what Dad has been through this year but can guarantee that my sore legs after an 18 mile run don't come close to the effects of chemotherapy.

Here's an idea of why the money is needed - one injection alone forming part of my Dad's treatment cost £5000, which I cannot imagine coming close to raising. But your donations will go towards vital research to continually improve treatments and in turn the chances of survival and well being for other sufferers of this disease.

Any donation, large or small, will be very gratefully received. Thank you.