We are rapidly approaching that time of year when Fraser and I dig out our trainers to run & endure our 3rd successive Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.  

As most of you are aware, we do this as my wife, Shiona, has been treated at the Royal Marsden since being diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma in March 2017 undertaking cutting edge treatments, initially immunotherapy and more recently targeted therapy which is thankfully keeping her melanoma under control.  As recently as 6 or 7 years ago, a patient with a Stage IV melanoma diagnosis typically faced a life expectancy of only 6-9 months.  The care provided by the Royal Marsden is first class and the research undertaken and partly funded through the Royal Mardsen Cancer Charity is at the forefront of medical science and developments globally.  

Fundraising for the Royal Marsden has been our way of saying thanks, providing funds for on-going research.  Shiona, by writing her own blog, also provides hope, inspiration and just as importantly knowledge to others who find themselves with the misfortune of a similar diagnosis.  Her blog can be followed at: www.shomelanoma.com

All donations and support, as ever, are hugely appreciated. 

Also running this year with Fraser and I for Team Shomelanoma are Tony Smith, my cousin Matt Edwards, Chris Lloyd, Jo Baldock, and Team Kirby ... my colleagues from Kirby Group Engineering (UK) Ltd ... Christy O’Rourke, Ronan Smith and Thomas Fahy.  Huge thanks to you all for your support.

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money solely to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre. We ensure our nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. From funding state-of-the-art equipment and groundbreaking research, to creating the very best patient environments, we will never stop looking for ways to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.