I'm doing this walk in memory of the loved ones in my family who have died but also to support those who are undergoing treatment at the moment and one of these is my brother Jay.

As a family we spent many years growing up in Africa not realising the effects of the sun. As a teenager in the 80s I spent hours lying in the sun on various beaches as well as when I was a lifeguard. The aim was to get as brown as possible. This was a time before there was the range of sun lotion products we now have.

My dad developed skin cancer and passed away in 2006 and sadly never got a chance to meet his grandchildren.

Aunty Avis passed away in 2014 from cancer and she was such a supportive, loving person that is hugely missed.

Jackie who lived across the road from me for years also died of cancer long before I met Andy.

And finally my brother is currently also undergoing treatment for a form of skin cancer, so this walk is also for him.

I'm not the fittest or most athletic of individuals but I'm hoping to play my part by raising money for a worthy cause and help with the fight against cancer.

So on September 26th I will be setting off in the evening to walk 26.2 miles doing my first ever marathon along with thousands of other people and some of the mums from school and friends from work. The marathon is overnight and we will be walking round all the sights of London.

Any donation however big or small will be gratefully appreciated towards my target of £300.

So remember when you are out in the sun using the health campaign that originally started in the 80s in Australia...

Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek & Slide

http://www.sunsmart.com.au/tools/videos/past-tv-campaigns/slip-slop-slap-original-sunsmart-campaign.html

Slip on sun protective clothing that covers as much of your body as possible.

1. Slop on SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours when outdoors or more often if perspiring or swimming.
2. Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears.
3. Seek shade.
4. Slide on sunglasses.

Below are some additional words from Cancer Research UK...

Each year Cancer Research UK’s scientists get closer to beating cancer, and they’ve helped double survival rates in the last 40 years.

But we can’t stop there.

Only with our continued support can they turn this research into breakthroughs that save millions of lives. Every single pound you donate makes a difference to Cancer Research UK’s groundbreaking work, so please sponsor me now.

Gift Aid

If you are a UK taxpayer, please remember to tick the Gift Aid box when donating as this will increase your donation by at least 25% at no cost to you.

www.shinewalk.org