This year I have decided to enter The Grim Reaper at Grimsthorpe Castle by running an ultra-marathon of 70 miles in memory of Shannice and Ivy.

When Shannice was only 15 years old. Emma and I sat down with the consultant and heard the words that no parent ever wants to hear, Emma's daughter has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of childhood cancer called Ewing Sarcoma. In an instant our lives suddenly became no-more and we started living a nightmare! After a brave 18 months fighting through intense chemotherapy and infections almost every other week with countless hospital visits, Shannice lost her battle to cancer and sadly passed away at the age of 16 years. The way Shannice dealt with all she had to go through has always inspired me to believe I can achieve anything. Emma and I have always said we would never wish any parent/s to have to go through a lifetime of extreme pain and emptiness our family are going through. Shannice has 2 younger brothers that she leaves behind, Lucas and Finley, who now have to navigate their life's without their sister.

Devastatingly, in September 2024 our good friends Chris and Emily were given the same life changing news, their beautiful 3-year-old daughter Ivy had been diagnosed with leukaemia. Their lives in an instant became no-more and they also started to live this nightmare. This brought back many terrifying memories for Emma and I.

Ivy was receiving chemotherapy and responding positively. Unfortunately, in October, 5 weeks after Ivy being diagnosed, Ivy sadly passed away due to complications. She only had a short fight but at the young age of 3 years old, Ivy, with her beautiful blonde curly hair and infectious smile gave the best fight she could. Ivy has an older brother Stanley and at the young age of 8 he has to try to understand why it happened and navigate his life without his younger sister.

Both our beautiful girls, the 2 most brighest stars in the sky didn’t have a chance to live their lives fully. Something Emily, Chris, Emma and I have to live with for the rest of our lives. With this in mind, I have decided to raise money for Children with Cancer UK. I want to try and make a difference by raising money for this amazing charity to give other children the best chance possible when diagnosed with cancer.

In a world where every child deserves a chance to thrive, we stand united in our mission to ensure that no child faces cancer alone.

For over 35 years, Children with Cancer UK has been at the forefront of funding vital research into the causes of childhood cancers and developing better, kinder treatments. Our unwavering commitment has not only contributed to a significant increase in childhood cancer survival rates but has also enhanced the quality of life for countless young patients and their families.

As I prepare for 'The Grim Reaper - 70 Mile marathon on Saturday 24th May 2025, I invite you to join us in this crucial fight. Together, we can raise £1,000 to support ongoing research and initiatives that provide essential support during treatment and beyond. Your generosity can make a profound difference in the lives of children battling cancer.

Let us come together to create a future where every child not only survives but thrives. Your support is invaluable.