On the 27th of August our family lost Claudio, he was a special member of the family. We lost him to oesophageal cancer. He was taken from us too soon. Claudio was my dad's nephew, they weren't just uncle and nephew to each other they where brothers. There was only nine years difference between each other and grew up sharing a lot of cherished memories. There was never a moment at a family gathering/event that Claudio wasn't his smiley self, I always looked forward to seeing my cousin, those moments I spent with him will never be forgotten. He lifted the spirits and hearts of everyone that was in his life. He had so much more life to live. His soul will never be forgotten. Claudio's love for life, family and friends will live on through us. These words i am writing doesn't do justice for how amazing and special he was to me and my family.

My dad is running the London marathon in memory of him he has chosen OPA cancer support. This is a very difficult and important run to my dad as he wants to do Claudio proud. He is also doing this for Claudio's mum, wife Linda, his two beautiful kids Alex and Elisa. 

Linda's sister Natalia has also set up a beautiful remembrance page for Claudio, she has put up two charities to give a donation as a symbolic gesture to commemorate Claudio. We have chosen one of the two charites to support dad in the London marathon (OPA). We do understand that if you have already donated that you will not be donating again. This just giving page is in support of Natalia's work for friends and family that did not have the pleasure in meeting my beautiful cousin and want to support my dad in his journey of running the London marathon. 

The OPA has led the fight against oesophageal and gastric cancers for over 30 years. Our purpose is to support patients, their families and carers and raise awareness of these cancers and their prevention. Whatever stage you're at the OPA is here to help you.