This year marks 5 years since I lost my dad. On June 12th 2015, we found out the devastating news that my dad- a fit, healthy 52 year-old man who had been to the doctors with general and seemingly benign symptoms - had pancreatic cancer. One week later, we found out that it had spread to multiple organs and the bones of his back. Six weeks after that, on July 30th 2015, he passed away. He never became well enough to start chemotherapy, which he was told would likely only add months to his life. He was overcome by his cancer. 

This is the truth for the majority of patients with pancreatic cancer. It is the deadliest common cancer in the UK, with less that 25% of patients surviving for ONE year after diagnosis. The progress and funding for research has fallen unbelievably short, especially in comparison with other cancers. But this is changing. The survival rates are increasing thanks to charities such as Pancreatic Cancer UK.

The world is a crazy place at the moment - I know a lot of people are really struggling, and I'm in an incredibly privileged position to be able to do this fundraiser. Charities are also suffering from a lack of funds and donations, including Pancreatic Cancer UK, who need donations to keep their support lines open. 

In an attempt to do something to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK, I am going to run 5K every day from June 12th to July 30th - the time from my dad's diagnosis to his death. As well as trying to support this vital charity and the patients it helps, I want to do this for my dad, who didn't live long enough to see my run my first race. 

Even if all you are able to do right now is read this post, maybe share it on your social media, I'm grateful for your attention and hope that the awareness raised can help you or your friends/family. If you are able to donate literally any amount, that would be a wonderful bonus. 

It's impossible to process anything when you are losing someone you love. I know I've still not processed it fully, and probably never will. One thing constantly spinning round my head the whole time, and afterwards, was how little time we had to say the things we wanted to say. Most of us have an abundance of time now, but not many loved ones around to fill it - something that has been harder than most of us expected and has made us realise the importance of keeping friends and family close. My hope is that by doing this, I can help families get a bit more time to spend with their loved ones who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, or patients have more time to access the support they need. I know we would have been endlessly grateful for that. 

Look out for progress posts and thank you!