I have tasked myself to run at least one event a year to raise funds for this much deserved cause and this year I am running both the

Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris

and

TCS London Marathon

My wife Gemma works at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital in the Breast Screening Department and was herself diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer in June 2020 at 36 years of age.

With Gemma ironically working in the Breast Screening Department, both front of house and undertaking mammograms this also brought this terrible disease much closer to home than anyone would ever want, and with an inside knowledge of the process that would follow, it is an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone. 

The Breast Screening Department and wider hospital services at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital were amazing, and incredibly supportive to both Gemma and I throughout the whole process. The fact that it had also been Gemma’s work colleagues that had been largely involved in her treatment also gave us additional strength and without them I am not quite sure where we would be. I am pleased to say that Gemma has now returned to work and whatever I can do to raise funds for the department and hospital to whom my family owes so much would be gratefully appreciated.

In aid of this I will be running the 2023 Paris Marathon and London marathons with the intention to do so as quick as my legs will carry me and certainly intending to break 4 hours.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK and whilst most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, younger women can also get breast cancer. Currently about 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

I would ask for any support you may be able to pledge to further research into this disease, and to maintain the ongoing treatment and support that the hospital offers.