On the 28th of April, I will be taking part in the 2019 London Marathon. Being a keen runner it has been a dream of mine since taking this thing up 3 1/2 years ago. In that time I have done lots of varying challenges, which at times, have pushed me to the absolute limit... but completing the 26.2 around the streets of the capital has always been my ultimate aim.

To assist my fundraising attempt for such a challenging target, I will be organising a 20 mile run from Derby County's Pride Park Stadium to Nottingham Forest's City Ground before the East Midland rivals face each other on February 23rd 2019. This will be the return leg of the successful run in the opposite direction back in December 2017, where a team of 32 runners, fans of both clubs, raised over £8000 for Prostate Cancer UK.  

The run will be along public footpaths from Pride Park Stadium to the City Ground, passing through Brian  Clough Way, taking in his statues in both cities and mainly run along the A52. The purpose being to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK. 

We intend to highlight the importance of such a worthwhile charity, with a show of unity from the passionate supporters of both teams. Prostate
Cancer UK use a campaign slogan 'MenUnited'. We will 'Unite Men' by building relationships, whilst raising awareness & funds and by achieving something great as individuals.

Football is predominantly watched by men, with sufferers of this horrible disease of course being men too. That said we not only have a mix of participants which are Forest & Derby supporters but we also have a good split of men and women. The importance of the charity to those taking part is as much the appeal as running to football.

We want to continue to fight and do what we can to prevent others from having to go through the journey friends and relatives very close to us have had to suffer. It is such an horrible thing to witness and if we can do such things, we believe it can only help.

Prostate Cancer UK should be a charity close to everyone’s heart because we know, or we should know, just how vulnerable we or a person you love really are! 

Within the next ten years Prostate Cancer UK believe they will find the answer to ensure the disease is something men and their loved ones no longer fear. That's why, me and the guys running between the 2 cities are committing to this big challenge, raising more funds to help beat Prostate Cancer. #ItsMoreThanJustAVest

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

My personal aim is to raise enough funds to cover my pledge to Prostate Cancer Uk in giving my much heralded 2019 London Marathon place... with the guys on board I am pretty sure we can more than raise the required funds and so much more.

Once again, from myself, the team and on behalf of Prostate Cancer UK thank you for visiting my page. Your donations mean so much to so many.

Please pop back from time to time or follow us on Social Media to check our progress, I will keep you well informed.

Des