Let's be honest: if Cancer was a person, most people would want to punch it in the face.  Or give it a wedgy.  Or both.

A host of celebrities have died of cancer recently - David Bowie, Paul Daniels, Alan Rickman, Sir Terry Wogan, Victoria Wood... the list goes on.  Moreover, though, pretty much anyone reading this will know someone personally who has been affected by Cancer in some way or another.

Therefore...

Alain is dedicating this to friend and ex-fencer, Kev Griffiths.  Kev was a member of Reading Fencing Club and passed away a few years after a long fight with tumours.  He was always supportive of me and other youngsters at the Club, was an excellent role model, and fought his illness with great courage and dignity.  And... I've always wanted to do a marathon but my spine would self-destruct if I did, so a walking one is ideal.

If we reach our target - £10 per mile - I will walk the marathon in full fencing gear, carrying a light(épée)sabre.

Sarah is walking in memory of her friend Kelly, a fellow teacher who sadly passed away after losing her battle with cancer - again, a brain tumour - leaving behind a husband and her two young children all too soon.

Below is the rest of the JustGiving info on Cancer Research UK.  Whether you choose to donate or not, though, Sarah and I welcome your support...

Each year Cancer Research UK’s scientists get closer to beating cancer, and they’ve helped double survival rates in the last 40 years. But we can’t stop there.Only with our continued support can they turn this research into breakthroughs that save millions of lives. Every single pound you donate makes a difference to Cancer Research UK’s ground-breaking work, so please sponsor me now.Gift AidIf you are a UK taxpayer, please remember to tick the Gift Aid box when donating as this will increase your donation by at least 25% at no cost to you.www.shinewalk.org