Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In May 2015, I faced the greatest challenge of my life - I was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) brain tumour with a prognosis of 'terminal'.

The average life expectancy of patients diagnosed with GMB, based on survival rates is between 4 and 14 months following diagnosis.

The GBM brain tumour is the deadliest of all tumours....it kills more people than the 120 other types of tumours put together.

Now, 15 months later, and having undergone surgery, radio and chemotherapy, I have managed to adjust as close as I can to a 'normal' life by returning to my job at the Sports Development Centre, Loughborough University and as a volunteer at Trent Bridge cricket ground, Nottingham. At some point in the future, I would like to resume my work as a guest lecturer at Nottingham Trent University.

The early days following diagnosis and treatment were rather 'dark', but I was determined to adopt a positive strategy to tackle this disease. My strategy has many elements including being active as possible - physically and mentally - and concentrating on the positive, enjoyable aspects of life rather than my situation.

Continuing to follow a fit and healthy lifestyle is a vital part of this strategy and in recent months I have returned to running and swimming in order to regain my fitness to achieve my target of being on the start line at The Great North Run on Sunday 11th September, 2016.

I am so grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from my 'team', family, friends, colleagues, students and medical experts. This has inspired me to do my very best to face up to my challenge with a positive attitude and to do my best for them too.

I will be running in support of the John Van Geest Cancer Research Centre, located at Nottingham Trent University. The JVGCC is involved in many areas of cancer research. A recent development has been work undertaken to develop a vaccine that may be effective against the Glioblastoma Multiforme tumour.

I am determined to make a contribution to this vital research work which is entirely funded by donations and sponsorship. 100% of any donations the centre receives are used directly on lifesaving research

The development of an effective treatment for Glioblastoma Multiforme may arrive too late for me but it may help save the lives of thousands of children and adults in years to come.

Any financial donation to help this potentially life saving research to continue would be very much appreciated.

Thank you!

Best wishes,

Martin

For more information on the research follow this link:

https://www4.ntu.ac.uk/apps/news/186826-15/Scientists_working_to_develop_new_vaccine_for_

most_deadly_brain_tumour.aspx