Hello all, 

Thanks for popping to the page and hopefully donating! 

So as many of you will know, last March I was diagnosed with stage 4 follicular lymphoma. Unsurprisingly, this was a pretty big shock, particularly as the pandemic meant we were about to go full lockdown! 

Thankfully I was told that it was still really treatable. However, not knowing much about lymphoma at the time, I was pretty battered when I was told it was stage 4 and that treatment will potentially be something I have to go through again in the future. After some additional investigations, including a procedure to remove some bone marrow from my hip (very unpleasant), I started my chemotherapy. 

My experience with chemotherapy wasn't dreadful compared to others, but it was peppered with infections. With clockwork-like precision, I had to visit the hospital one week after each treatment with a fever and infection, including salmonella which left me in hospital for 10 days. 

After 6 rounds of chemotherapy, I was told I was in complete remission. This was amazing news and a complete relief. I took this experience as a way to pull my finger out and actually sign up for Man Vs Mountain. A challenge I have threatened to do for years. 

So, 3 weeks after my last chemo I started running again. It was horrendous, I only just managed to "run" 1km. Running took a back seat to walking and hiking and slowly my fitness started improving. 

Yesterday (29.05.21), 10 months after my last treatment, I ran my first ever marathon. My legs are now in tatters, but thanks to the support of my friends and my amazing wife, who also completed the run, I managed it! Now I know I can do the distance, I've got to work on being able to do it up a mountain - between now and the race in September there will be lots more hill training.  

The race will involve a 22 mile run from Caernarfon Castle, up Snowdon then back into Llanberis to complete some obstacles to the finish! I won't be the only one running this, as some legendary mates have signed up too! 

Because of the above, I have decided to fundraise for Blood Cancer UK to help them with the amazing work they do, noted below. Anything you could donate for this challenge would be much appreciated! 

We're a community dedicated to beating blood cancer. We do this by funding research and supporting those affected. Since 1960, we've invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Right now, our community is funding 360 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. The day we will beat blood cancer is now in sight and the researchers are determined to finish the job.