May 30, 2022 is a date I hold very close to my heart. It marks 10 years of being in remission from stage four cancer, a condition I am extremely lucky to have made a full recovery from.

Allow me, if you will, a few moments to tell you about a journey that began a little over ten years ago.

On Christmas Day 2011, after being in hospital for 3 months my family and I were given the devastating news that I only had a week to live. But thanks to modern medicine and the doctors’ perseverance I battled all the odds and saw off what was initially diagnosed as terminal cancer with intensive chemotherapy, losing seven stone in weight and being nil by mouth for eight months . The treatment was tough. I had to learn to walk again after 9 months in bed and an operation to clear up the mess the cancer had to made saw me lose part of my lungs and stomach. I was finally given the all clear in May 2012

The treatment gifted me another shot at life and the last decade has given me more than I could ever have imagined. The opportunity to be a husband to my wife, Helen, and becoming a father to two amazing children, Jonny and Sophie, I never thought I would meet, let alone have the privilege to help raise them.

I also got the opportunity to care for my mum until she took her last breath - also fighting cancer. She was tragically diagnosed just two years into my remission. She went down fighting; with serenity, bravery and grace. Her fortitude in adversity continues to inspires me each and everyday.

Cancer will continue to affect every single one of us throughout our lives, both directly or indirectly. To mark my decade of being cancer-free I am aiming to run 182 miles in five days - the equivalent of just under 7 marathons - from Old Trafford, Manchester to Wembley Stadium, London in the week leading up to the 2022 FA Cup Final

I hope this challenge will inspire you to donate whatever you can to support Cancer Research UK and help make the world a better place for cancer sufferers and their families.

As with all journeys in life, I am sure along this one there will be twists and turns, some highs and lows. But it will be met with the same determination as that challenging time in my life 10 years ago.