A year ago, on March 16th, my family lost our dear father, Patrick Curran, to cancer. He was the most generous, intelligent and principled man one could ever hope to meet. He was also frequently mischievous, a great story-teller and possessed a laugh that was immediately infectious to all around him. 

Patrick was the perfect husband to our mother Anne, an old-fashioned gentleman in every way and the most brilliant father to his children. Rachel, Edmund, Kate and I count ourselves lucky to have been blessed with such an inspirational and encouraging father. He gave us all so much and made us who we are today. Tim, Claire, Tom, Kayla, his adoring grandchildren and wider family all miss him dearly, as do his countless friends and colleagues.

In Patrick's final weeks and days, when our family was at its lowest ebb, we were supported by a team of brilliant doctors, nurses and carers. Without their help, we would have been completely lost. They cared for our father with the utmost kindness and compassion, giving him precious dignity and comfort. We were deeply grateful and fortunate for that level of care to be given at home, allowing us to be there night and day. Our whole family owe those wonderful volunteers at City Hospice, Cardiff a huge debt.

Marie Curie is a charity that helps families manage and prepare for terminal illness and death. Their work provides funding for organisations like City Hospice, throughout the UK, ensuring 40,000 families have the support they need every year. Through a network of nurses, companions, hospices and programmes they ensure that the darkest moments in people's lives are alleviated with care, treatment and support. You can learn more about the amazing work they do here: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/

So, on to October 2nd. The London Marathon. I plan to run 26.2 miles and raise as much money as possible. for this outstanding organisation. Please donate if you can, and please do come down to the marathon course and tell me to hurry up. I'll need all the support I can get. Patrick could frequently be found supporting runners of the London Marathon, his full-throated encouragement clearly audible over the cheers of the crowd.

Thank you so much for reading this and for supporting a most worthy cause.

Rachel, Edmund, Kate, Benedict & Anne.