Usually when I complete these challenges, I do so to help out in raising some money for a local charity. However, this time, that’s not the case.

At the beginning of last year my mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately following a short battle, she sadly passed away in July 2022. It was a huge shock, and one you never expect to hit someone you love so close to home, or that you can do anything to prepare for.

Less than a year later, and my best friend’s dad has recently been diagnosed with cancer in his lungs, which has spread to his lymph nodes and stomach. Thankfully he has recently begun treatment, which is going well.

Anyone who has had a family member or friend diagnosed with Cancer will know that you want to help in any way you can. In the absence of a medical degree, the sad reality is that there is little you are able to do directly, other than being strong and providing as much love and support as possible.

We can however help to raise money for fantastic charities like Cancer Research UK that work tirelessly to develop more effective and targeted treatments against cancer, alongside tests to identify different forms cancer much earlier. This research, along with the 24 hour support their specialist nurses provide to cancer patients and their families is invaluable to so many people.

1 in 2 people will get cancer within their lifetimes, and through the great work of charities such as Cancer Research UK the survival rate of those with cancer has gone from 1 in 4 in the 1970s to 1 in 2 today.

Continuing to fund research into cancer will help us see 3 in 4 people survive their cancer by 2034, and a world where many more are prevented by developing cancer in the first place

So please dig deep for this incredible cause, as me, my best mate and his wife take on the gruelling challenge of completing a 50km hike in a single day! Together, we can help bring a world where everybody can lead longer better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

Thank you!

Dareus