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In 1996, I lost my dad, Frank, to bowel cancer. He was just 49 years old. At the time I was only 16 so dad felt 'old' to me. Today, as an adult, I realise how wrong I was. He was incredibly young and had so much life left to live.

He had tackled cancer first at the age of 46 and spent 3 years living with a permanent stoma. At just 48 he was told he was going to die as his cancer had spread to his liver. He faced that news, the progression of his illness and the last months of his life with unimaginable courage and good humour. In the face of everything he was strong and determined to enjoy life and its that spirit and determination that has inspired me to do something in his memory.

So here I am. A former fatty and now novice marathon runner, doing what I always dreamed of doing, but never thought I would. In 2015 I will be running multiple races raising awareness and vital funding for Bowel and Cancer Research, a charity that helps and supports people like my dad by funding research and medical innovation into what is a terrible disease. Never one to do things by halves, I'm not just doing one marathon but numerous full and half marathons, starting with Milton Keynes, Silverstone, London & Edinburgh. The challenge scares the life out of me and I know it will hurt, but if people can stay strong in the face of cancer, I know I can do this.

Please support me by following my journey on twitter @girljustruns and by donating to this very worth charity. Your contribution, however small, will make a difference.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

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